The electoral campaign is approaching in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and political actors as well as the population are already in full mobilization in view of the general elections scheduled for December 20, 2023.
The official launch of the electoral campaign is scheduled for November 19 in the DRC. Political activists are already on the ground, aware of their crucial role in the country’s electoral process.
Voter awareness is at the heart of concerns, as demonstrated by Jacques Tshikonda, a civil society actor involved in electoral mobilization. According to him, it is important to inform the Congolese of the need to vote for a social project and not for personal or financial interests. Trust in political candidates is a central issue, and efforts are aimed at regaining this lost trust.
Alfred Makaya, responsible for mobilizing voters on behalf of a candidate for national deputy, admits that the population has lost confidence in politicians. However, he affirms that their team is committed to convincing voters to vote for their candidate, drawing inspiration from the commitment of the former Congolese independence leader, Patrice Lumumba, to defend the interests of the country.
The mobilization of law enforcement is also an essential aspect of preparing for the electoral campaign. The authorities are preparing to ensure security throughout the electoral process and to control possible excesses. According to Commander Guy Mabangi, the police are ready to intervene in the event of unrest or destruction in order to protect the population and their property.
On December 20, 2023, the Congolese will have the opportunity to choose their President of the Republic, their national and provincial deputies, as well as their municipal councilors. These elections are crucial for the political future of the DRC and the mobilization of the population as well as confidence in the candidates will be decisive in the final result.
The electoral campaign in the DRC is therefore a key moment for political actors and the population. This is an opportunity to make their voices heard, to choose leaders who meet their expectations and to lay the foundations for a more just and prosperous political future for the country.