Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are attracting international interest and attention. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Denis Kadima, recently had a meeting with a delegation of the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF-SADC) exploratory mission, led by Dr. Judge Chifundo J. Kachale, Chairman of the Malawi Electoral Commission.
The objective of this meeting was to take stock of the preparations for the elections which are scheduled for December 20, 2023. The ECF-SADC delegation said it was satisfied with the progress and efforts made by the CENI in the implementation previous recommendations.
During this exchange, several positive points were highlighted. First of all, there have been significant changes on the legal front, which guarantee a more favorable and transparent environment for holding elections. Additionally, stakeholder inclusiveness was improved, allowing more voices to be heard in the electoral process. The publication of results on the website from polling stations is also a key element to ensure the transparency and verifiability of the final count.
The delegation expressed its confidence that the elections would be held on the scheduled date, thanks to the assurances given by the President of the CENI. These elections are crucial for democracy in the DRC, and their smooth running is essential for the political and socio-economic stability of the country.
It is encouraging to see the CENI’s commitment to take into account previous recommendations and put in place the necessary measures to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. Ongoing logistical work also builds confidence in the effective management of the electoral process.
In conclusion, the meeting between the ECF-SADC delegation and the CENI made it possible to note the progress made in the preparations for the elections in the DRC. This progress demonstrates the importance given to the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. Let us hope that these elections will take place smoothly and will help strengthen democracy in the DRC.