“Moise Katumbi application file: photocopies not accepted by the CENI”
The race for the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is marked by a new episode: the receipt of Moïse Katumbi’s candidacy file by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Unfortunately, Katumbi’s team faced an unexpected obstacle during this crucial stage.
Indeed, the CENI required the presentation of the originals of the documents constituting the application file, while the Katumbi team arrived with certified photocopies. Among the missing documents are the criminal record extract and the certificate of nationality, two essential documents to validate the application.
In an already tense context, those close to the former governor of Katanga promised to return the next day with the complete file and the originals requested by the CENI. Hervé Diakese, member of the Katumbi camp, stressed that this is a simple administrative formality and that there will be no legal consequences for this setback.
It is important to emphasize that this procedure complies with current electoral legislation and that all applications are treated in the same way. However, this situation comes on top of the numerous controversies and tensions surrounding the electoral process in the DRC.
As the presidential elections approach, it is essential to guarantee a transparent and fair electoral process, where all candidates have the same opportunity to run and where the choice of the Congolese people can be freely expressed.
Let us hope that Moïse Katumbi’s candidacy file is finalized as soon as possible and that all stages of the electoral process take place in a transparent and democratic manner. The DRC deserves free and fair elections to ensure a better future for all its citizens.