Title: Political representatives called upon to play a key role in electoral citizenship, according to the CENI
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. The objective of this meeting was to raise awareness and further involve representatives in electoral citizenship, with the aim of ensuring broad inclusiveness of the electoral process. The President of the CENI, Denis KADIMA KAZADI, underlined the importance of this commitment during his speech to the participants.
Development :
Denis KADIMA KAZADI recalled that the CENI is continuing preparations for the elections scheduled for December 20, 2023, scrupulously respecting the electoral calendar. He also mentioned the opening of the Office for Reception and Processing of candidatures for the presidential election, which took place on September 8. However, he admitted a delay in the publication of the final list of national deputy candidates, provincial deputies and municipal councilors, but reassured the representatives that this would have no serious consequences on the electoral calendar.
In his speech, the President of the CENI encouraged representatives to play an active role in the electoral education of their activists. He stressed the importance of instilling electoral citizenship and ensuring the participation of all citizens in the democratic process. However, he also stressed that it is essential not to turn this commitment into an early election campaign.
The second Vice-President of the CENI, Didi MANARA LINGA, reinforced the institution’s commitment to respect the constitutional deadline for holding the elections. He underlined the importance of the operational stages of the electoral process, including the establishment of electoral lists, the mapping of polling stations, the accreditations of witnesses, observers and journalists, as well as the voting and counting process. He also discussed the use of the Electronic Voting Device (DEV), which will be put in place to facilitate the electoral process.
During this meeting, political representatives had the opportunity to discuss with CENI experts and ask questions about the different stages of the electoral process. The concerns of the participants were taken into account and clarified.
Conclusion :
The meeting between the CENI and political representatives underlined the importance of the involvement of political parties in electoral citizenship. By raising awareness among their activists and ensuring that they understand the different stages and modalities of the electoral process, political representatives contribute to ensuring broad inclusiveness and active participation of all citizens in the democratic life of the country.. The CENI, for its part, is committed to respecting the constitutional deadline and putting in place the necessary mechanisms to guarantee free, fair and transparent elections in December 2023.