Title: Candidates for the presidential election in the DRC: a complete panorama of the Congolese political scene
Introduction :
The Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently published the list of 24 candidates selected for the presidential election scheduled for December 20, 2023. This decision, although still subject to review by the Constitutional Court, allows us to observe a rich and diverse political landscape. In this article, we will provide a complete overview of the candidates in the running, from political parties, political groups and independent candidates.
1. Candidates from political parties:
Among the 24 validated candidacies, six are presented by political parties. These candidates represent different political forces vying for the presidency of the DRC. The Envol party presents Delly Sesanga Hipungu Dja Kaseng Kapitu. The Leadership and Governance for Development movement offers Mapon Matata Ponyo. The Progressive Lumumbist Movement supports Franck Diongo Shamba. The Congolese United for Change party presents Soborabo Radjabho Tebabho. The revolutionary progressive dynamic party supports Constant Mutamba Tungunga. Finally, the Nouvel Elan party presents Adolphe Muzito Fumutshi.
2. Candidates from political groups:
Two candidates come from political groups. The Lamuka Fayulu movement supports Martin Fayulu Madidi and the Ensemble movement presents Moïse Katumbi Chapwe. These political groups, which bring together several parties and political forces, are looking for an alternative to the power in place and hope to mobilize a large electorate.
3. Independent applications:
The majority of validated candidates are independent, a sign of an open and diverse Congolese political scene. Among these candidates, we find well-known personalities, such as the Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege Mukengere, the son of the historic opponent Etienne Tshisekedi, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, and the former Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito Fumutshi. These independent candidacies reflect the desire of many political actors to move away from traditional divisions and to propose an alternative path for the country.
Conclusion :
The publication of the list of candidates for the presidential election in the DRC offers a complete panorama of the Congolese political scene. Between candidates from political parties, political groups and independent candidates, voters will have the choice among a diversity of profiles and political programs. This plurality of candidates testifies to the democratic vitality of the country, while posing the challenge of mobilizing the population for active citizen participation.