Title: Elections in the DRC: Concerns persist one month before the vote
Introduction:
General elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo are fast approaching. As the electoral campaign is about to begin, some concerns remain among civil society experts. In a recent interview, Dieudonné Mushagalusha, coordinator of the panel of experts, raises questions relating to the legality of the date of December 20, 2023, as well as the question of the inclusiveness of the electoral process.
The “illegal” nature of the date of December 20, 2023:
According to Dieudonné Mushagalusha, coordinator of the panel of civil society experts, the date of December 20, 2023 poses a problem in terms of legality. Indeed, according to the electoral law in force, the vote for the direct ballot should be held on a public holiday. However, December 20 would not be declared a public holiday, raising concerns about its economic impact and compliance with legal instruments.
An electoral process that is not entirely inclusive:
Dieudonné Mushagalusha also highlights the lack of inclusiveness of the current electoral process. Although the Constitutional Court validated all the candidates retained by the CENI and reinstated two others provisionally excluded, many political actors remain suspicious and do not participate in the process. It is therefore necessary to work towards complete integration of competitors and to allow all Congolese to express their civic and political rights.
Conclusion :
With one month to go until the election, ongoing concerns about the date of December 20 and the inclusiveness of the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo require particular attention. It is essential to respect the legal instruments in force and to work towards real inclusiveness to guarantee democratic and representative elections for all Congolese citizens. The challenge is launched and the coming weeks will be crucial for the political future of the country.