2023-09-13
In political news in the Democratic Republic of Congo, candidacies for the presidential election have been being submitted since September 1. Candidates have until October 8 to submit their file, which will then be examined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). According to the planned schedule, the names of the official candidates should be announced in mid-November, and the presidential elections will take place on December 20.
While certain candidates such as Moïse Katumbi, Augustin Matata and Delly Sesanga have already expressed their intention to run, uncertainty persists around the candidacy of Martin Fayulu. During a press conference last June, the leader of the Engagement for Citizenship and Development (ECIDé) party announced that he would not participate in the presidential election, thus joining the position of former President Joseph Kabila and his political family the Common Front for Congo (FCC). Fayulu had notably denounced the refusal of the CENI to carry out an independent audit of the electoral register.
However, in recent days, rumors have circulated regarding a possible candidacy of Martin Fayulu. Some sources have mentioned a possible submission of his candidacy on September 13. However, this information remains vague and uncertain.
Faced with this situation, Martin Fayulu must clarify his position and decide whether or not he will participate in the presidential elections. While some believe that his absence could deprive him of political visibility for five years, others point out that he still has a certain popularity in certain regions of the country, notably in Greater Bandundu and in Kinshasa.
The debate around Martin Fayulu’s candidacy reflects the challenges and issues of the electoral process in DR Congo, as well as the desire to ensure free, credible and transparent elections. Fayulu’s final decision will determine his place in this presidential race and his impact on the Congolese political scene.
It remains to be seen whether Martin Fayulu will choose to move forward and run in the presidential election, or whether he will maintain his position of not participating and continue to defend the need for a review of the electoral register. In any case, his choice will have significant repercussions on the political landscape of Congo.