The presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) which will take place on December 20, 2023 is already raising many expectations and questions. The Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) recently published a provisional list of 24 candidates declared admissible for this historic election.
Among these candidates, we find renowned political figures such as Moïse Katumbi, former governor of Katanga and leader of the Ensemble party, Martin Fayulu, candidate of the Lamuka coalition, and Félix Tshisekedi, son of the former historic opponent Étienne Tshisekedi.
This provisional list represents an important first step for the candidates, because during the previous elections in 2018, some of them were disqualified by the Ceni, generating tensions and protests. This time, no candidate was declared inadmissible, which demonstrates an apparent desire by those in power to allow all candidates to express themselves and participate in the presidential race.
However, the provisional list still needs to be examined by the Constitutional Court before becoming final. This crucial step will make it possible to validate or invalidate certain applications based on legal and constitutional criteria. Therefore, it is possible that there will be changes in the final list of candidates.
Once the final list is published, the electoral campaign can begin. However, this campaign period will be of relatively short duration, spanning just a few weeks before Election Day. Candidates will therefore have to demonstrate responsiveness and efficiency to convince voters within a short period of time.
This presidential election in the DRC is of capital importance for the country and for the stability of the region. It represents a crucial step in the consolidation of democracy and the transition of political power. The expectations of Congolese citizens are high, hoping that these elections will take place in a transparent, peaceful manner and guarantee the will of the population.
There are still many challenges to overcome, particularly in terms of logistical organization and security. The DRC is a vast and complex country, with important political, economic and social challenges. It is therefore essential that all actors involved commit to respecting democratic rules and guaranteeing fair and representative elections.
In conclusion, the announcement of the 24 admissible candidacies for the presidential election in the DRC marks a significant step forward in the country’s democratic process. This diversity of candidates testifies to the vitality and plurality of the Congolese political scene. It now remains to be seen how the rest of the electoral process will unfold and what proposals and visions put forward by each candidate will be for the future of the DRC.. The coming weeks will therefore be crucial for the country and for the future of its democracy.