The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently held a press conference in Kinshasa to inform political parties of the rules and procedures needed to participate in the upcoming legislative elections.
CENI President Dénis Kadima has expressed his willingness to organize transparent and free elections, while stressing that hard-working candidates will have a better chance of being elected. He also stressed that the CENI would not change the results of the polls.
The ballots for the legislative elections will take place on December 20, 2023, in accordance with the electoral calendar. The CENI plans to convene the electorate on June 25 for the national deputation.
In the current political context, tension is palpable in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and several events have recently marked the news, such as the banning of an opposition meeting in Kinshasa or the controversial arrest of a traditional leader.
This electoral issue is closely followed by the population and the Congolese opposition, which demands fair elections despite the ongoing political problems. Observers thus hope for a significant advance in the digital code, regulations to encourage the emergence of the Congolese middle class and stricter control of subcontracting in the country.
The prime minister is also encouraging the development of agriculture and stressing the importance of cooperation between sectors during DRC Mining Week, while the opposition remains determined to defend fair elections despite government repression.
This series of events highlights deep political issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and more broadly reflects the complex political situation of many African countries during an election period.