Fire at the Kalemie CENI: Material damage does not impact the electoral process
A short circuit broke out on Friday September 15 in the warehouse of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in Kalemie, leading to a fire which damaged six batteries, three generators and a converter. Fortunately, voting machines, voter ID kits, and physical candidate records are intact.
According to information provided by the Kalemie CENI, the fire was quickly brought under control by people present to carry out tests in the office. Although some documents from the previous legislature have been reduced to ashes, this will not affect the conduct of the current electoral process.
Faustin Kalombola, poll training and registration officer at the CENI Tanganyika, reassured by affirming that the files of the national and provincial deputy candidates are intact, as are the materials used for the identification and registration of voters. Lithium batteries and voting machines are also preserved, meaning that valuable goods needed for the electoral process were not affected by the flames.
This incident, although regrettable, should not disrupt the smooth running of the upcoming elections. The CENI will put in place the necessary measures to repair the material damage and continue to ensure a transparent and reliable electoral process.
It is important to emphasize that this type of incident highlights the importance of taking adequate safety measures to prevent such accidents. CENI should consider strengthening fire prevention measures and ensuring appropriate protection of its facilities to avoid future similar incidents.
Despite this incident, voters can therefore be reassured that the electoral process in Kalemie will run smoothly. Candidate files are intact and the equipment necessary for voting is preserved. The CENI will do everything possible to repair the damage caused by the fire and continue its mission to guarantee free and fair elections.
Voters are therefore invited to continue to follow electoral news and exercise their right to vote in the next elections. The electoral process is a crucial stage for democracy and it is the duty of all of us to participate in this process and make our voices heard.
Let us not forget that despite obstacles and incidents, democracy must prevail and every vote counts. Let us remain mobilized for democratic and transparent elections.