The 4th cycle elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to arouse strong criticism and tensions in the country. The opposition denounces the numerous dysfunctions and irregularities which marred the electoral process, in particular the delay in the deployment of electoral materials and the extension of voting days.
These criticisms are shared by the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Ambongo, who emphasizes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) was not ready to organize the elections on the scheduled date of December 20. According to him, this haste has led to a “gigantic disorder” and risks creating frustration and discontent among voters.
For its part, the opposition questions the preliminary results published by the CENI, which give a lead to the candidate for his own succession, Félix Tshisekedi. Several opposition leaders, including Martin Fayulu Madidi and Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, are calling for the cancellation of the elections and the recomposition of the CENI. A demonstration is even planned to express their discontent.
This worrying situation makes some observers fear that the elections will fail to bring the expected peace and serenity to the country. Tensions and protests could prolong political instability and compromise the legitimacy of the results.
It is therefore essential to shed light on these accusations of dysfunctions and irregularities in order to restore citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and to ensure a peaceful democratic transition for the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.