General elections in the DRC maintained despite exclusions
In a tense political context, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is actively preparing for the general elections scheduled for December 2023. Despite the difficulties and exclusions, the power in place maintains its determination to organize them on the scheduled date.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) recently announced that of the 24,802 candidates for national deputy, only five political parties meet the admissibility criteria set at 60%. Among them are the Congo Liberation Movement (MLC) of Jean-Pierre Bemba, the Alliance of Christian Democrats of Congo (ALDEC) of Princess Adèle Kahinda, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS-Tshisekedi), Together for the Republic of Moïse Katumbi and Leadership and Governance for Development (LGD) of former Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo.
On the other hand, other political parties and groups were temporarily excluded from the ballot due to non-compliance with the threshold of required candidates. The CENI therefore invites candidates to check whether their party or group is on the list of those selected before embarking on political actions linked to their candidacy. Among the notable absentees from this process are the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) of former President Joseph Kabila and Engagement for Citizenship and Development (Ecidé) of Martin Fayulu, who boycotted the electoral process in progress.
This CENI announcement raises questions about the inclusiveness and representativeness of these elections, as well as the preservation of democracy in the DRC. While some political parties contest the irregularities surrounding the ongoing electoral process, fostering a healthy and fair political environment is essential to ensure free and fair elections.
Despite these challenges, the DRC is preparing for a key moment in its political history with these general elections. The country is awaiting results that will shape its future and consolidate the democratic process.
In conclusion, the holding of general elections in December 2023 in the DRC is maintained despite the difficulties and exclusions. The ongoing electoral process raises questions about transparency and fairness, but it also represents an opportunity for the country to strengthen its democracy and chart a new course for its political future.