Political Parties in the DRC: A Race Against Time for Those Failed in the Legislative Elections
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the pre-electoral period is synonymous with political excitement. As the national legislative elections fast approach, several political parties and groups find themselves in a race against time to be officially in the running. However, some were rejected by the Electoral Commission (Céni), which pushed them to appeal to the Constitutional Court in a final hope of being reintegrated into the competition.
Among those who failed, the Alliance des Congolais pour la refondation de la nation (ACRN) group attracted particular attention. The latter has for several months supported the candidacy of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Denis Mukwege, for the presidential election. According to Roger Puati, president of the ACRN, this exclusion would be a maneuver by those in power to weaken the candidacy of Mukwege, who is enjoying growing popularity in the country.
The main reason given by the Ceni for these exclusions is the non-compliance with the required quota of 60% of candidates in relation to the seats at stake. Of the 51 political parties rejected, none managed to present enough candidates to reach this threshold. Only sixty-six political structures were provisionally retained.
The president of the ACRN, however, denounces irregularities in this selection process. He claims that his group submitted more than 300 applications, thus demonstrating that it has indeed reached the required quota. He therefore intends to file an appeal before the Constitutional Court in order to prove his legitimacy.
Beyond this particular case, certain political actors criticize the electoral law which requires such a high percentage of candidates to be presented. They believe that this creates discrimination and prevents fair competition between all political parties. They also underline the proximity of the actors of the CENI and the Constitutional Court to the power in place, which accentuates suspicions.
In any case, this race against time for the failed political parties illustrates the crucial issue of the legislative elections in the DRC. These elections, which will take place on December 20 at the same time as the presidential election, will be decisive for the political future of the country. Those rejected therefore hope to be able to assert their rights and actively participate in the democratic process.