Political leaders are often at the center of the news and elicit mixed reactions. Some are hailed as visionaries, leaders capable of improving the well-being of their country and fostering peace with their neighbours. Unfortunately, others are criticized for their arrogance and propensity to lie.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an important election is taking place this year, some politicians seem ready to do anything to deceive the Congolese people. In a tense political climate, unfounded allegations are propagated with the aim of discrediting the electoral process set up by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). These lies are used as a last ditch attempt to turn the tide in their favor, despite their blatant failure.
A recent example of these false claims comes from the president of the political party Ecidé, Martin Fayulu Madidi. During a press conference, he tried to discredit the CENI and its president Denis Kadima Kazadi by spreading falsehoods about the audit of the electoral register, the electoral code and the technicality of the organization in charge of the elections. Yet the CENI was transparent and received unanimous support from the international community in its efforts to organize fair and transparent elections.
It is important that politicians stop hiding the truth from the Congolese people. The external audit of the electoral file, although not mandatory, was carried out and concluded that the file was reliable. The CENI maintained a constant dialogue with all stakeholders, including people living with disabilities. Consultation meetings were organized to address their concerns. The experts selected for the audit fulfilled the required criteria and met with the stakeholders in order to take their suggestions into account.
It is time to demonstrate transparency and credibility in the electoral process in the DRC. The false allegations and attempts to discredit the CENI only sow doubt and confusion among the population. It is essential that politicians respect the democratic process and accept the results of the elections, whatever the outcome. Only honest and transparent governance can improve the country’s situation and guarantee the well-being of its citizens.
In conclusion, it is necessary that political leaders in the DRC and elsewhere favor the truth and distance themselves from lies and manipulation