Voting began in the centers of Bakusu, Esengo high school and Edap in Mbandaka, in the province of Equateur. Since 7 a.m. this Wednesday, voters have been going to the polls to express their political choice. However, despite the importance of this democratic event, it seems that enthusiasm is not there.
Witnesses from some political parties complain that their access to polling stations is reduced. The officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) on site seem to believe that their numbers are too high. This situation poses a problem for the transparency of the electoral process, because it is essential to have witnesses from the different parties to ensure impartial control.
Additionally, many voters reported not finding their names on the voting lists. It is very likely that this is due to omissions on the part of CENI officials in Mbandaka. This situation is worrying because it means that citizens could be deprived of their right to vote, which is contrary to democratic principles.
It is essential that CENI takes steps to address these issues. It is imperative to facilitate access for political party witnesses to polling stations and to ensure that all voters can exercise their right to vote without hindrance.
In conclusion, despite the start of elections in the voting centers of Bakusu, Esengo high school and Edap in Mbandaka, problems with witness access and omissions on the voting lists were reported. These issues must be resolved quickly to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process. Elections are a fundamental pillar of democracy and it is essential to ensure that every citizen can freely express their voice.