Voter discontent in Kabare, South Kivu province, has reached fever pitch in recent weeks. Indeed, many residents expressed their frustration at their absence from the electoral lists. This protest movement began on November 1, 2023 with demonstrations in several cities in the region.
The main problem lies in the omission of certain names from the electoral lists. In central Cirheja, for example, of the 9,958 registered voters, only 3,612 names were displayed. This situation created a feeling of incomprehension and frustration among voters. Some wonder why their name does not appear on the lists, as a resident of Bugorhe testifies: “I was enrolled at the center of Bugorhe, but I am not on the list. I don’t even know why I don’t I’m not listed.”
Faced with this situation, the residents decided to send a memorandum to the authorities to denounce this omission. They ask the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to urgently revise the lists and display the complete lists in front of the center offices. Some civil society organizations also support this request.
In addition to this problem of omission of names, the question of voter cards also poses a problem in the province of South Kivu. Some residents of Walungu territory have traveled hundreds of kilometers to obtain duplicates of their cards, to no avail. This situation creates additional frustration among voters who see their voting rights limited.
Faced with this situation, it is essential that the authorities take immediate measures to resolve this problem. Transparency and accuracy of voter lists are essential to ensure fair and equitable elections. Voters must be able to exercise their right to vote with complete confidence, knowing that their name appears on the lists and that their voice counts.
In conclusion, voter discontent in Kabare is a legitimate concern. It is essential that authorities respond to residents’ requests and take necessary measures to ensure the accuracy and transparency of voter lists. The election is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and it is crucial to ensure that all voters can exercise their right to vote fairly and without hindrance.