The issue of elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to arouse international interest. In this context, the Carter Center’s Election Observation Mission published its preliminary report on the conduct of voting operations. Observers stressed that, despite a few incidents, the voting procedures generally took place in a relatively calm environment.
The report highlights certain dysfunctions, such as the late opening of certain polling stations. However, he also emphasizes that in the majority of offices visited, the voting procedures took place satisfactorily. Additionally, observers noted large queues at many polling stations, reflecting massive voter participation.
Despite some reported incidents of violence in different parts of the country, the report highlights that overall the voting process took place in a relatively calm environment. However, violations were noted, such as assistance to voters by unauthorized persons, vote buying and violations of vote secrecy.
It is important to note that the Carter Center Election Observation Mission was made up of 43 observers from 20 countries, including 23 African observers. These teams were distributed across 11 provinces of the DRC to ensure extensive coverage of the electoral process.
This preliminary report provides an overview of voting operations in the DRC, but it should be noted that it is a provisional assessment. The Carter Center Election Observation Mission will continue to monitor the electoral process and will issue a final report with recommendations after voting concludes.
In conclusion, despite a few incidents and malfunctions, voting operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo appear to have taken place in a relatively calm environment. The Carter Center Election Observation Mission plays a crucial role in monitoring the electoral process and will provide a final report with recommendations to improve the country’s electoral system.