Title: Political agents called upon to play a key role in the electoral process
Introduction :
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently organized a consultation framework with representatives of political parties and groups. During this event, the President of the CENI, Denis KADIMA KAZADI, underlined the importance of the involvement of political representatives in the electoral citizenship of their voters. This initiative aims to ensure broad inclusiveness of the electoral process and ensure the transparency and legitimacy of future elections.
Preparations for the December 2023 elections:
Denis KADIMA KAZADI reminded participants that the CENI is actively continuing preparations for the elections of December 20, 2023, in accordance with its electoral calendar. Despite a delay in the publication of the final list of candidates, the President of the CENI reassured the representatives of the political parties that this will have no consequences on the electoral calendar. He also stressed that the CENI provides them with information to help them better prepare for the following stages of the electoral process.
The involvement of political representatives in electoral citizenship:
During the consultation framework, Denis KADIMA KAZADI insisted on the importance of the involvement of political representatives in the electoral education of their activists. He encouraged officeholders to play an active role in educating their constituents on the importance of participating in elections and exercising their civic duty. However, he stressed that this is electoral education and not an electoral campaign, in order to respect the rules set out by the CENI.
The operational stages of the electoral process:
During this consultation framework, participants had the opportunity to listen to CENI experts explain different operational stages of the electoral process, such as electoral lists, mapping of polling stations, accreditations of witnesses, observers and journalists, as well as the voting and counting process. An important point was also discussed, notably the use of the Electronic Voting Device (DEV).
Conclusion :
The meeting between the CENI and the political representatives made it possible to underline the importance of their involvement in the electoral process. By educating their activists on the importance of voting and promoting electoral citizenship, proxies can help ensure transparent and legitimate elections. The CENI is continuing its preparations for the December 2023 elections and is doing everything possible to respect the electoral calendar.