The article on the news of October 21, 2023 highlights the concerns of the National Coordination of Civil Society Forces vives of the DRC regarding the elections scheduled for December 20, 2023. According to Civil Society, it is practically impossible to organize elections in the current context, and they could even be the trigger for chaos in the DRC.
In a press release, Civil Society highlights a number of reasons for frustration, such as the rushed adoption of the organic law of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), the fraudulent appointment of the President of the CENI, the absence of consensus on the electoral law and opacity in the management of electoral budgets, among others. These factors call into question the legitimacy and transparency of the electoral process.
Civil Society Forces vives also expresses its concerns about the role of Denis Kadima, the new President of the CENI. According to them, he could be worse than his predecessor, Corneille Nangaa, thus risking compromising the democratic gains obtained at the cost of numerous sacrifices.
The publication of the unrealistic and fanciful electoral calendar, as well as the absence of an electoral file audited and accepted by all stakeholders, are all additional reasons to question the validity of the electoral process.
Civil Society Forces Vives demonstrated on several occasions to demand a return to normal, but their demands were ignored by those in power. They welcome the presence of a mission from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which discussed electoral issues with certain political actors. They hope that this mission will take into account the relevant demands of the opposition and the active forces in order to ensure peace and the future of the country.
It is obvious that the concerns raised by the Civil Society Forces vives of the DRC regarding the December 2023 elections are legitimate. Transparency, legitimacy and participation of all political actors and civil society are essential to guarantee free and fair elections. It is therefore necessary that these concerns be taken into account and appropriate measures taken to ensure a credible electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Finally, the article also highlights the importance of the SADC mission in evaluating the electoral process in the DRC and the need to support it in order to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition in the country. The peace and stability of the DRC have a direct influence on the entire sub-region, hence the importance of a transparent and inclusive electoral process.
In conclusion, this article highlights the legitimate concerns of the Civil Society Forces vives of the DRC regarding the December 2023 elections.. It highlights the need for a transparent, legitimate and inclusive electoral process to ensure stability and peace in the country. It also highlights the essential role of the SADC mission in evaluating the electoral process and calls for its support.