Candidates for the presidency of the Republic must exercise restraint and avoid electoral disputes before the start of the legal campaign. Félix Tshisekedi and Denis Mukwege are invited to favor a harmonious climate before the uncertain electoral deadlines in the DRC.
The African Commission for the Supervision of Elections (CASE) has expressed its disagreement with the verbal altercations between Félix Tshisekedi and Denis Mukwege since the submission of their candidacies for the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The derogatory remarks reported in the media, notably on Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC), have created unnecessary tension in public opinion.
CASE also deplores the fact that activists of the ruling party have distorted the words of candidate Denis Mukwege by attributing inappropriate concepts to him and making erroneous interpretations. This attitude of bad faith and political denial constitutes an offense punishable by law (Article 80 LE).
CASE urges candidates Félix Tshisekedi and Denis Mukwege to raise awareness among their respective political staffs in order to put an end to any insulting or slanderous controversy. This appeal is also addressed to all other regularly registered presidential candidates.
CASE advocates balanced, positive electoral competition that respects electoral rules, public morality and civic ethics. She thus calls upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the High Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), whose silence in the face of certain media excesses between the candidates seems complicit.
It is important to emphasize that CASE has already demanded on several occasions the dismissal of the heads of the two democracy support institutions, the CENI and the CSAC, which were installed illegally.
In conclusion, it is crucial that candidates for the presidency of the Republic in the DRC exercise restraint and avoid electoral disputes before the legal campaign. CASE calls for a harmonious and respectful climate between candidates, in the interest of balanced and transparent electoral competition.