Title: Legislative elections in DR Congo: A changing political landscape
Introduction :
Since the announcement of the provisional lists of candidates for the December 2023 legislative elections in DR Congo, the Congolese political landscape has undergone significant changes. With more than 910 political parties present in the country, only 11 political parties have reached the admissibility threshold set at 60% of the seats in competition. Among these parties, we find regulars at the polls, parties that have changed status and newcomers to the political scene. This diversity testifies to the evolution of the Congolese political landscape and the enthusiasm of political actors for the legislative elections.
Voting regulars:
Among the political parties that have submitted lists without allies in the legislative elections, there are well-known political formations in the Congolese landscape. The UDPS/Tshisekedi, heiress of the movement founded by Etienne Tshisekedi, thus lines up 459 candidates, confirming its position as a political heavyweight in the DR Congo. The MLC of Jean-Pierre Bemba, former vice-president of the country, presents 473 candidates, ensuring a significant national presence. These political parties reaffirm their roots and their desire to participate actively in the electoral process.
The change of status of political parties:
It is interesting to note that some political parties have recently changed their status from political groupings to full parties. This is the case of Ensemble pour la République, led by former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo, which has 449 candidates. Similarly, Nouvelle Élan, led by Adolphe Muzito, has also made this transition and presents a list of 301 candidates. These political parties seek to strengthen their position as independent political actors and to affirm their specific ideologies.
Newcomers to the political scene:
The December 2023 legislative elections in DR Congo also mark the entry into the running of new political parties. Among them, we find LGD (Leadership and Governance for Development) of Matata Ponyo, with 383 candidates, as well as the Envol party of Delly Sesanga, presenting a list of 333 candidates. These new political actors seek to bring a breath of fresh air and renewal to the Congolese political scene, by proposing new ideas and alternatives to voters.
Conclusion :
The December 2023 legislative elections in DR Congo bear witness to the profound transformation of the Congolese political landscape. Between political parties accustomed to elections, those that have recently changed status and newcomers to the political scene, the choice offered to voters is wide and diversified. This development reflects the commitment and growing involvement of political actors in the country’s electoral process.. These elections will therefore be essential in determining the political future of the DR Congo and shaping the path towards a more democratic and inclusive future