Title: The presidential debates in the DRC: an opportunity to better understand the candidates and the issues
Introduction :
As part of the preparation for the presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the candidate President of the Republic Floribert Anzuluni recently pleaded for the holding of contradictory debates between the candidates. According to him, these debates are essential to allow each candidate to present and discuss their social project, in order to clarify the differences between the different proposals. This request raises questions about the practical organization of these debates given the high number of candidates in the running. However, the idea of public and contradictory debates between the candidates is attracting growing interest and offers a unique opportunity to better understand the candidates and the issues at stake in these presidential elections.
Present social projects and spark a contradictory debate:
Floribert Anzuluni insists on the importance of allowing candidates to present their social projects in a competitive manner and to generate a contradictory debate. According to him, this will allow the population to see the differences between the candidates and make informed decisions when voting. While certain organizations, such as Cesac, Cepas and certain media, have planned panels of journalists to allow candidates to present their projects, Floribert Anzuluni believes that this is not enough. He calls for public debates that will allow candidates to react and present their ideas in more depth.
The citizen fundraising campaign:
In addition to the demand for contradictory debates, Floribert Anzuluni launched a citizen campaign aimed at mobilizing funds to contribute to the elections. He also distances himself from the nomination of a common opposition candidate without a consensual social project. This initiative gives citizens the opportunity to become more involved in the electoral process and to financially support candidates who share their ideals.
The list of candidates and the electoral calendar:
The Independent National Electoral Commission (Ceni) has already received 24 applications for the 2023 presidential election. The final list of candidates will be made public soon. According to the electoral calendar planned by the CENI, the presidential, legislative and municipal elections are scheduled for December 20.
Conclusion :
The contradictory debates between candidates during the presidential elections in the DRC represent a unique opportunity to better understand the social projects and ideas of the different candidates. They also allow the population to compare the proposals and make an informed decision when voting.. Floribert Anzuluni’s request for these debates reflects the importance of participatory democracy and citizen engagement in the electoral process. It remains to be seen how the concrete organization of these debates will be implemented given the high number of candidates in the running. However, the initiative raises an important discussion on improving transparency and democratic participation in the country.