Press review of Monday September 25, 2023
The newspapers this Monday in Kinshasa highlight the ongoing electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which is approaching its conclusion with the holding of general elections. The president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Dénis Kadima, closed a series of consultation frameworks aimed at informing stakeholders about their role in the electoral process. These meetings were organized to ensure the participation of all segments of society, including women, youth, people living with disabilities and indigenous peoples.
Dénis Kadima underlined the importance of these groups in the Congolese electorate and affirmed that the elections will take place within the deadlines provided for by the Constitution. He also called on women and young people not to let themselves be manipulated by unofficial information and to trust the official communication channels of the CENI.
As part of these meetings, the IFES (International Foundation for Electoral Systems) praised the efforts of the CENI to maintain permanent contact with all stakeholders in the electoral process. Experts addressed specific topics such as electoral lists, mapping of polling stations, accreditations of witnesses and observers, and the voting and counting process, including the use of electronic voting devices.
It is specified that voting will be done semi-electronically, with voters using both the electronic voting device and inserting their ballot into the ballot box. This will be done to ensure transparency and regain voters’ trust, following criticism and controversy surrounding the “voting machine” used in previous elections.
Furthermore, the CENI published the final list of candidates for the election of national deputies, after examining 242 requests filed by the Constitutional Court.
This electoral process in the DRC arouses great interest and enthusiasm from various political actors and civil society, demonstrating the importance given to these elections.
In conclusion, the electoral process in the DRC is progressing according to plans, with significant mobilization of the CENI to inform and involve all segments of society. Efforts to ensure transparency and confidence in the electoral process are highlighted, with the use of electronic voting and the publication of lists of candidates. Congolese voters are awaiting elections within the constitutional deadlines and thus hope to be able to exercise their right to vote in a free and fair manner.