Floribert Anzuluni, candidate for the presidential election scheduled for December 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is making a strong call for the organization of a public debate between the presidential candidates. Through letters addressed to the media and key stakeholders, Anzuluni proposes that this debate be regulated by the High Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), to guarantee a fair and transparent discussion.
This proposal comes in a context where the citizen primaries organized by the civil society platform Alternative for a New Congo have had a resounding success. These primaries made it possible to place the debate of ideas at the center of Congolese political life, arousing massive interest from the population.
For Anzuluni, it is essential that presidential candidates participate in an open citizen debate, allowing them to discuss their social projects and compare their ideas. Such a debate would benefit the Congolese population, by promoting civic education and encouraging a culture of political debate based on ideas.
This proposal joins a similar initiative by CEPAS in 2018, which unfortunately did not come to fruition. Holding a public debate between presidential candidates would be a key element to better understand each other’s visions and allow the Congolese to make an informed choice during the presidential elections.
The organization of such a debate and its broadcast nationally would be a major step forward for democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Voters would thus have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the programs of the different candidates and to make an informed decision.
It is essential that all stakeholders, including the media, CSAC and the candidates themselves, engage in this public debate. This would strengthen the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process, while giving voters the necessary tools to exercise their right to vote with full knowledge of the facts.
Anzuluni’s request for a public debate demonstrates his desire to establish a transparent and informed electoral campaign, in the interest of all Congolese citizens. Let us hope that this proposal will be taken into consideration and that it will contribute to strengthening democracy in the DRC.
Author’s Note: This article is written for informational purposes and does not express a political or partisan position.