Title: How to reconcile electoral campaign and functioning government? Arrangements taken in the DRC
Introduction :
The election campaign period is a crucial time for candidates, but what about the functioning of government during this period? In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), measures have been taken to ensure harmony between the electoral campaign and government activities. In this article, we will explore the arrangements put in place and the importance of maintaining a functioning government despite members’ participation in the electoral process.
Members of the government on the electoral campaign:
In the DRC, several members of the government have also decided to run in the general elections. This includes Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, as well as other senior ministers such as Péter Kazadi, Vital Kamerhe and Jean-Pierre Lihau Ebua. This situation raises the question of the compatibility between the functions of member of the government and candidate for elections.
No incompatibilities between government and electoral campaign:
According to the spokesperson for the Congolese government, Patrick Muyaya, there are no incompatibilities between being a member of the government and being a candidate during the electoral campaign. He points out that the election campaign is a short period, and that even in other countries, incumbent politicians can focus on emergency situations if necessary. It is therefore clear that members of the government can carry out their campaign while maintaining their governmental responsibilities, with specific measures put in place.
Ensuring the fluidity of government:
To guarantee the proper functioning of the government during this period, Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde is considering setting up a suitable mechanism. It is about finding a balance between participation in the electoral campaign and the continuity of government activities. Although members of the government cannot hold regular briefings on their activities, they will be able to intervene if specific topics require their attention.
Election calendar and early election campaign:
The electoral calendar in the DRC provides that the electoral campaign will take place from November 19 to December 18, 2023. However, it is important to remember that the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the Superior Audiovisual and Communication Council (CSAC ) called for avoiding early election campaigns. It is therefore essential to respect these guidelines to ensure free and fair elections.
Conclusion :
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the challenge of reconciling the electoral campaign with the functioning of the government is taken seriously. Despite the participation of government members in the elections, measures were taken to maintain the fluidity and efficiency of government activities. It is crucial to establish a balance between the electoral campaign and governance in order to guarantee a smooth democratic transition and the continuity of public services.