Title: “Seth Kikuni contests the candidacy of Félix Tshisekedi for the presidency for “defect of quality and pirate registration”
Introduction:
The presidential bullfight in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to cause a stir. Candidate Seth Kikuni filed a request to obtain the invalidation of the candidacy of President Félix Tshisekedi. According to Kikuni, Tshisekedi would not be the same person declared the winner of the 2018 elections. This case raises legal questions and highlights the issues surrounding the legitimacy of presidential candidates.
Details of Seth Kikuni’s query:
Seth Kikuni’s lawyers filed a request with the Constitutional Court to challenge the candidacy of Félix Tshisekedi. According to them, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the Constitutional Court had declared Tshisekedi Tshilombo Félix the winner of the 2018 elections, and not Tshisekedi Tshilombo Félix Antoine, which is the name on which the current candidacy is based. According to Kikuni, this constitutes a “defect of quality and pirate registration” on the part of the current President.
Seth Kikuni’s arguments:
In his request, Seth Kikuni insists that the name of Tshisekedi used in the current candidacy differs from the one who was declared winner of the 2018 elections. He also claims that the documents required by electoral law have not been filed by President Tshisekedi, who “poured the coins of a person other than herself”. According to Kikuni, the acceptance of this irregularity by the Constitutional Court would deny his right to equality before the law and fair treatment.
The issues of legitimacy and equality before the law:
This case highlights the issues of legitimacy and equality before the law in the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. If Tshisekedi’s candidacy is invalidated, it would call into question his legitimacy as incumbent President and could also call into question the validity of the 2018 elections. This highlights the importance of a transparent and law-abiding process to ensure fairness and confidence in the country’s democratic system.
Conclusion:
The petition filed by Seth Kikuni to challenge Félix Tshisekedi’s candidacy for president raises important questions about legitimacy and equality before the law in the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This case highlights the importance of a transparent and law-abiding electoral process to ensure the trust and credibility of the country’s democratic system. The decision of the Constitutional Court on this request will have significant repercussions on the political future of the DRC. To be followed closely.