The electoral campaign in Beni, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been in full swing since its launch on November 19. However, despite this excitement, it is important to note that only 7 candidates out of 110 are actually campaigning. This situation is mainly explained by the lack of financial means available to most candidates.
Indeed, the electoral campaign in the DRC is largely influenced by the financial resources available to the candidates. These are often the richest candidates who have easy access to the population, thanks to their significant financial means. Thus, many candidates find themselves excluded from the race due to lack of sufficient financial means to lead an effective campaign.
Some candidates expressed frustration with this situation. A candidate from the Sacred Union, wishing to remain anonymous, declared that the national directorate had not yet provided the necessary financial means to the candidates. This lack of financial support makes it difficult to lead a campaign against wealthier competitors who stand out for their charitable actions among the population.
Candidates also expressed concerns about President Félix Tshisekedi’s selective support for his political party’s candidates. Some believe that financial support is only granted to candidates from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), to the detriment of other candidates from the Sacred Union. This situation creates an inequality of conditions between the candidates and risks compromising the legitimacy of the final result.
It should be noted that some candidates decided to wait until the last days of the campaign to launch, perhaps hoping to benefit from last minute financial support. However, this situation highlights the financial challenges that candidates face during electoral campaigns in the DRC.
It is essential to emphasize that this problem is not specific to Beni or the DRC, but represents a major challenge in many electoral campaigns around the world. It underlines the importance of ensuring fair and transparent conditions for all candidates, regardless of their financial resources.
In conclusion, the electoral campaign in Beni is experiencing financial difficulties for many candidates, which limits their ability to lead an effective campaign. This situation raises questions about the fairness and transparency of elections, and highlights the need for campaign finance reform to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.