A few days before the elections in the DRC, presidential candidates seem to be having difficulty focusing on real issues and running campaigns based on ideas rather than personal attacks. This observation was made during recent conferences and speeches given by different candidates across the country.
A blatant example of this trend is Moise Katumbi’s speech at Place Sainte-Thérèse. Instead of presenting his social project and his ideas for the Congo, he launched into personal attacks against his adversaries. This deeply disappointed his voters in attendance, who expected to hear concrete details about his vision for the country.
This disappointment is shared by many Congolese, who believe that personal attacks only distract attention from the real issues and problems facing the country. Some voters, like Ginette Ebwa, a social sciences student at Unikin, question the fact that candidates prefer to engage in battles of words to the detriment of the people they are supposed to represent.
In addition, statements concerning the nationality of Moise Katumbi are also a source of controversy. Jean-Pierre Bemba raised this issue during a speech, sparking outraged reactions from some voters who believe it should not be a subject of debate. For them, candidates should focus on bigger problems and present concrete solutions.
Faced with these tensions and disappointments, many voters, like Milene Mwembo, are calling on candidates to comply with the norms and rules of the electoral campaign, to put forward the interests of the people and to clearly present their governance programs. This transparency and focus on the real issues will allow voters to make informed choices during elections.
In conclusion, it is regrettable to note that electoral campaigns in the DRC focus more on personal attacks than on ideas and concrete projects. It is important that candidates change their approach and focus on the country’s real problems, in order to gain the trust and support of the Congolese people.