Title: Electoral consultations in the DRC: a step towards democratic transparency
Introduction :
The Electoral Commission of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently organized three days of consultations with the various stakeholders in the electoral process. This event, which took place at the People’s Palace in Kinshasa, made it possible to address numerous subjects linked to the next general elections scheduled for December 20. This initiative marks a step forward towards transparency and democratic participation in the country. In this article, we offer you a summary of the discussions and the importance of these consultations for the democratic future of the DRC.
Fruitful discussions with stakeholders:
The consultations began with the participation of political parties and groups, of which there are more than 900 in the DRC. The discussions focused on key issues such as the publication of electoral lists, the mapping of polling stations, the accreditations of witnesses, observers and journalists, as well as the voting and counting process, including the use of voting machine.
Civil society was also involved in these exchanges, thus providing a space for dialogue open to observers, the media and different groups in society. Associations of women, young people and people living with disabilities also made their voices heard during these consultations.
The objective of the Electoral Commission was to provide maximum information to stakeholders in order to ensure transparency in the electoral process. Other similar consultations are planned in the coming weeks, notably just before the start of the electoral campaign on November 19.
A call to finance the electoral process:
However, the Electoral Commission has also appealed for financing of the electoral process. According to the President of the Commission, Denis Kadima, the institution continues its work thanks to bank loans, but the current underfinancing could compromise compliance with the electoral calendar. It is therefore crucial that funds are released quickly to ensure the smooth running of the elections.
Noticed absences:
Despite the efforts made by the Electoral Commission to encourage the participation of all parties, part of the opposition boycotted these consultations. Martin Fayulu’s party requested a new audit of the electoral register before resuming its participation in the electoral process. In addition, the camp of former President Joseph Kabila has chosen to boycott the upcoming polls. These absences raise questions about the unity and confidence of political actors in the electoral process.
Conclusion :
The electoral consultations organized by the Electoral Commission in the DRC are an important step towards transparency and democratic participation. By providing a space for dialogue open to all stakeholders, these consultations aim to guarantee a fair and equitable electoral process. However, financing the process remains a major challenge to ensure compliance with the electoral calendar. Let us hope that the coming weeks will see a rapid resolution of this issue, so that the general elections in December can take place in optimal conditions to strengthen democracy in the DRC.