Title: Fruitful exchanges between the CENI and electoral observers: progress towards transparent elections in the DRC
Introduction :
As part of the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Denis Kadima Kazadi, recently met with representatives of the Joint Electoral Observation Mission led by the Episcopal Conference Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). During this meeting, fruitful discussions took place, notably on the publication of the provisional list of voters and the mapping of polling stations. This exchange demonstrates the CENI’s desire for transparency and collaboration in the electoral process in the DRC.
A constructive dialogue for transparent elections:
During this meeting, the President of the CENI gave the representatives of the electoral observation mission a copy of the electoral atlas, thus marking a further step towards transparency in the electoral process. Discussions focused on the provisional publication of the electoral map and the list of voters, which aims to facilitate the verification and correction of possible errors. Representatives of the observation mission welcomed the CENI initiative and underlined their commitment to working closely to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Errors identified and corrected:
During their analysis of the electoral mapping, observers identified certain errors, notably cases of duplication of polling stations. These errors were reported to the CENI, which recognized them and reacted quickly to correct them. This responsiveness demonstrates the CENI’s desire to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and to take into account the observations of independent observers. Representatives of the observation mission welcomed this rapid response and stressed the importance of maintaining close communication between the CENI and the observers to ensure transparent and credible elections.
Towards the closing of the electoral file audit file:
Representatives of the observation mission expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the electoral process and stressed that the final publication of the electoral map would pave the way for the closure of the electoral file audit file. They also reiterated the recommendation to display the electoral lists polling station by polling station, in order to promote better transparency and active participation of voters during the vote.
Conclusion :
The fruitful exchanges between the CENI and representatives of the electoral observation mission demonstrate the CENI’s desire for transparency and collaboration in the electoral process in the DRC. The CENI’s responsiveness to errors reported by observers and their commitment to working together to ensure fair and transparent elections are encouraging signs for the country’s democratic future.