Title: The complications of Moïse Katumbi’s candidacy for the presidential election in the DRC
Introduction :
The race for the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo is far from being a simple and straightforward process. This is clearly illustrated by the complications encountered by the candidacy of Moïse Katumbi, former governor of Katanga. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) requires originals to authenticate the candidacy file, while Katumbi’s team only has photocopies. In this article, we take a closer look at the details of this delicate situation and the implications for Moïse Katumbi’s candidacy.
The photocopy dilemma:
According to those close to Moïse Katumbi, two essential original documents were missing from the application file: the criminal record extract and the nationality certificate. However, Katumbi’s team had provided certified copies of these documents. However, the CENI insists on the need to obtain the originals to validate the application.
Controversy avoided:
Despite this setback, Moïse Katumbi’s camp wishes to avoid any controversy. Hervé Diakese, a close friend of Katumbi, declared that the situation posed no problem and that it was simply an administrative formality. He assured that the complete file would be submitted the next day, with all the original documents required by the CENI.
Compliance with electoral legislation:
It is important to emphasize that this procedure complies with the electoral legislation in force in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All applications must comply with this requirement and provide original documents for validation. Consequently, this is not a specific treatment reserved for Moïse Katumbi, but a general practice applied to all candidates.
Conclusion :
Moïse Katumbi’s candidacy for the presidential election in the DRC encountered complications due to the absence of original documents in his candidacy file. The CENI’s requirement for originals has caused a delay in the process, but the Katumbi camp is committed to resolving this situation by submitting the complete file within the stipulated time frame. This case highlights the challenges and administrative formalities that candidates must face when participating in this crucial election for the future of the DRC.