Moise Katumbi’s candidacy file for the DRC presidential election: Photocopies do not pass
In the presidential race in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Moïse Katumbi faced a setback when receiving his candidacy file at the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Indeed, his team showed up with photocopies of the necessary documents, while the CENI required the originals to be able to proceed with their authentication.
This situation caused a certain stir in the entourage of the former governor of Katanga. Two essential original documents, the criminal record extract and the certificate of nationality, were missing from the file presented. Katumbi’s emissaries had nevertheless brought certified copies, but the CENI insisted on the fact that only the originals would be accepted to validate the candidacy.
Faced with this administrative obstacle, Moïse Katumbi’s camp promised to return the next day with the complete file. Hervé Diakese, a close friend of Katumbi, declared that these CENI requirements pose no problem and that it is simply an administrative formality to be respected. He adds that this will have no legal consequences and that they do not wish to argue on the subject.
It is important to emphasize that this procedure complies with the electoral legislation in force in the DRC, and that all applications are treated in the same way. Thus, it is essential for candidates to provide original documents to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
This situation highlights the importance of rigor and respect for procedures in submitting candidacies for a presidential election. Candidates must ensure that they have all the required documents in their possession and comply with the requirements of the electoral bodies to avoid any setbacks that could compromise their participation in the election.
In the case of Moïse Katumbi, his promise to return with the complete file shows his determination to actively participate in the presidential race. The next few days will therefore be decisive in knowing whether his candidacy will be validated and whether he will be able to defend his ideas and proposals before Congolese voters.