The elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continue to arouse the interest and mobilization of the Congolese population. As part of the ongoing electoral process, the president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Dénis Kadima, addressed civil society during a consultation meeting in order to strengthen citizen engagement and promote democracy .
During this meeting, Dénis Kadima underlined the importance of appeasement and respect for democratic values to guarantee peaceful elections and accept the results. He called for the adoption of appropriate behaviors, encouraging political competition while preserving the peace and stability of the country.
One of the aspects to which Dénis Kadima drew attention is the role of electoral observers. He insisted on the need for observers to act in an objective and politically neutral manner, strengthening trust and transparency of the electoral process. He also highlighted the difference between political activism and nonpartisan citizen monitoring of elections, warning of the risk of compromising the neutrality of observers if they take partisan positions.
The responsibility of electoral observers is of paramount importance in the electoral process, as emphasized by Dénis Kadima. He recalled that domestic observers are above all voters with their own political preferences, and that it is essential that they are informed, trained and professional to guarantee their neutrality and the credibility of the electoral process.
Civil society was presented as an essential partner in the electoral education of Congolese citizens. Civil society initiatives and activities play a crucial role in enabling voters to make informed choices. In particular, the election of municipal councilors in provincial capitals was highlighted as being of particular importance for the consolidation of decentralization in the DRC.
The consultation meeting also covered essential information on the electoral process, highlighting the Electronic Voting Device (EVD), formerly known as the Voting Machine. In accordance with the current law, the technical and practical details of the DEV were discussed to ensure effective and transparent implementation in the upcoming elections.
In conclusion, the consultation meeting between the president of the CENI, Dénis Kadima, and civil society made it possible to strengthen citizen engagement and raise awareness among the Congolese population of the importance of democracy and respect for democratic values in the electoral process. The role of election observers was highlighted, emphasizing the need for impartiality and neutrality ensuring transparency and credibility of elections. Civil society was presented as a key partner in the electoral education of citizens and in the consolidation of decentralization in the DRC. The DEV was also discussed, offering practical information on its use in the upcoming elections.