The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently made several adjustments to its electoral calendar to ensure greater inclusiveness and fairness in the electoral process. This decision was taken with the aim of allowing all stakeholders to participate fairly in the upcoming elections.
In a press release published on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the CENI announced the extension of the period for submitting nominations for provincial deputy. This extension aims to allow a greater number of candidates to participate in this crucial election.
The CENI also decided to postpone the election of municipal councilors in certain territorial entities where conflicts related to customary power and administrative delimitation are observed. According to correspondence from the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, it was deemed necessary to postpone this election in these specific areas.
This decision was taken with the aim of ensuring optimal conditions of security and stability for the holding of the election in these regions. Only municipalities located in provincial capitals are concerned by maintaining the election of municipal councilors on December 20, 2023.
The CENI wishes to reassure independent candidates, political parties and political groups having already paid their deposit for the municipalities not concerned. Their participation will be taken into account when organizing the election of municipal councilors in 2024, in the remaining municipalities. A rearranged calendar will be published soon to specify the terms of this subsequent election.
This desire to ensure inclusiveness and fairness in the electoral process in the DRC demonstrates the CENI’s commitment to guaranteeing transparent and democratic elections. By extending the period for submitting candidacies and postponing elections in certain regions, the CENI is implementing measures aimed at promoting the participation of all political actors in the country.
These adjustments to the electoral calendar also demonstrate the desire of the Congolese authorities to promote a peaceful and democratic electoral process, where every vote counts