Title: The challenges of electoral discrimination in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the December 2023 elections approach
Introduction :
As the elections scheduled for December 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo approach, discriminatory discourse is emerging within the Congolese community. Some comments exclude the candidacies of the Luba in the province of Tanganyika, thus creating a division within the country. However, it is essential to remember that Congolese law prohibits any form of discrimination in access to public functions. In this article, we will examine the issues of electoral discrimination in the DRC and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Ceni) in receiving candidacies.
Development :
According to article 13 of the fundamental law of Congo, no discrimination can be exercised against Congolese in matters of access to public functions. It is therefore unacceptable to exclude certain applications based on ethnic or regional criteria. In addition, article 66 of the same law encourages the Congolese to preserve, promote and strengthen national unity by being tolerant of each other.
Regarding election candidacies, it is the Independent National Electoral Commission (Ceni) which plays a key role. According to the explanations of François Mbolo, deputy provincial executive secretary of the provincial executive secretary of the Ceni city province of Kinshasa, the Ceni only rejects an application if the file is declared incomplete. The Ceni follows the laws and regulations established by the National Assembly to organize elections in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.
It is important to emphasize that the term “non-original” is not explicitly mentioned in the Congolese electoral law. The Ceni uses the laws and regulations in force to assess the admissibility of applications. All conditions are listed in the candidate’s guide to provincial and municipal elections, published in May 2023 by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Conclusion :
Electoral discrimination in the Democratic Republic of Congo constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles of national unity and equal rights. It is essential that the Independent National Electoral Commission (Ceni) plays its role impartially and respects the laws and regulations in force to guarantee fair and equitable elections. It is also the duty of all Congolese to promote national unity and reject all forms of discrimination. By working together, we will be able to build a future that is democratic, inclusive and respectful of the rights of all Congolese citizens.