The deployment of electoral materials in the Democratic Republic of Congo a few weeks before the general elections in December 2023 raises strong questions in public opinion. While the electoral process has been underway for several months, some citizens are expressing concern about the slow deployment of equipment in all provinces of the country.
However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) claims to do everything possible to respect the electoral calendar. During a recent stay in South Korea, the president of the CENI said he was satisfied with the work carried out by the Korean firm responsible for the production of electoral materials, in particular the electronic voting device. Once delivered, this equipment will be sent to Kinshasa and other provinces for efficient deployment.
It is essential to take into account the logistical and organizational challenges that the CENI faces in the organization of these elections. The DRC is a vast and complex country, with often deficient infrastructure. Transporting electoral materials to all provinces can therefore take time, especially during periods of heavy rains which make certain roads impassable.
Nevertheless, it is legitimate for citizens to express their concerns about respecting the constitutional deadline for holding elections. It is essential that the CENI communicate transparently on the progress of the deployment and reassure the population of its capacity to carry out this electoral process within the allotted time frame.
It is also important to emphasize that holding free, fair and credible elections is a crucial step for democracy in the DRC. Elections provide citizens with the opportunity to choose their leaders and actively participate in the political life of the country. It is therefore essential that all stakeholders involved, including the CENI, commit to ensuring a transparent, fair and secure electoral process.
In conclusion, although the deployment of electoral materials in the DRC a few weeks before the December 2023 general elections raises legitimate concerns, it is important to take into account the logistical challenges facing the CENI. While expressing their concerns, citizens must also demonstrate patience and confidence in the ongoing electoral process. The transparency and communication of the CENI will play a crucial role in maintaining public trust and ensuring democratic and credible elections.