Kinshasa press review of Thursday August 3, 2023
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) is at the center of news in Kinshasa, with the announcement of the convening of the electorate for the provincial elections and municipal councilors.
In an article entitled “CENI: candidate provincial deputies and municipal councilors expected!”, the daily La Prospérité reports that the president of the CENI, Denis Kadima, carried out this summons on August 2. This measure is of particular importance because it allows Congolese voters to choose their communal councilors for the first time since 1987. This energetic local election is an essential element of healthy democracy and development. Denis Kadima also called on the political class to implement the measures of the electoral law promoting the participation of young people and women in the management of the city.
The Journal emphasizes that the CENI recalled that lists which include at least 50% women will be exempt from application filing fees. This provision aims to encourage gender parity and reduce financial influence in Congolese politics. Furthermore, political parties must respect the admissibility threshold for candidacies in provincial and municipal elections.
According to the daily L’Avenir, the CENI is on track to succeed in its bet, with more than 25,000 application files received for the national deputation. This influx testifies to the interest of the Congolese in the elections. The newspaper Le Potentiel underlines the determination of the CENI to carry out the electoral calendar, despite the obstacles.
In his speech, Denis Kadima called for avoiding verbal and physical violence, stressing that only the battle of ideas counts in a democratic society.
In short, the convening of the electorate for the provincial elections and of municipal councilors by the CENI arouses great enthusiasm in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This crucial step in the electoral process shows the CENI’s desire to promote democratic participation and strengthen local democracy in the country. The next few months will be decisive in ensuring transparent and fair elections in December 2023. Congolese voters are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to choose their local representatives and actively participate in building their community and nation.