Title: The SADC pre-electoral assessment mission to the DRC: a step towards transparent and inclusive elections
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is actively preparing for its elections, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is playing a crucial role in monitoring this process. A SADC delegation, led by the vice-president of the electoral advisory council, Notemba Yjipueja, recently stayed in Kinshasa for a pre-electoral assessment mission. This visit demonstrates the importance given to the organization of transparent and inclusive elections in the DRC. In this article, we will explore the objectives of this mission, the ongoing reforms and the commitment of the Congolese authorities to respect the electoral calendar.
Objectives of the SADC pre-election assessment mission:
The SADC pre-electoral assessment mission to the DRC aims to assess the country’s political and security environment, as well as the reforms put in place to ensure free and fair elections. Notemba Yjipueja highlights the importance of assessing whether the country is ready to hold elections and whether the electoral law has been reformed in line with SADC principles. The SADC delegation will also seek to assess the transparency of the electoral process by examining measures such as publishing voting results office by office.
Ongoing reforms to strengthen transparency:
The presidents of the Senate and the National Assembly presented to the SADC delegation the reforms undertaken to strengthen the transparency of the electoral process in the DRC. Among these reforms is the recommendation to publish voting results office by office, which will allow for greater transparency and better voter confidence in the process. This measure aims to dispel any doubt about the integrity of the elections and ensure free and fair electoral participation.
The commitment of the Congolese authorities to inclusive elections:
The Congolese authorities, represented by the President of the National Assembly, Christoph Mboso, and the President of the Senate, Modeste Bahati, affirm their commitment to the smooth running of the electoral process in the DRC. With a significant number of national deputy candidates and candidates for the presidency of the Republic, they emphasize that the electoral process is inclusive, offering the opportunity for a large number of citizens to participate in the political life of the country. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) is also determined to hold the elections on time, with voting scheduled for December 20.
Conclusion :
SADC Pre-Electoral Assessment Mission to DRC Demonstrates Importance of Transparent and Inclusive Elections in the Country. Ongoing reforms, such as the publication of voting results on a station-by-station basis, aim to increase the transparency of the electoral process and ensure voter confidence. The commitment of the Congolese authorities to respect the electoral calendar and to enable inclusive political participation is essential for the democracy and stability of the DRC. SADC will continue to play an active role in monitoring this process, to ensure that elections in the DRC take place in a fair, transparent manner and in compliance with democratic principles.