Title: Elections in the DRC: a planned disorder decried by the Archbishop of Kinshasa
Introduction :
During Christmas Mass, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa, expressed his dismay at the gigantic disorder which marred the general elections of December 20 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This statement prompted a response from Denis Kadima, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni). This article reviews the criticisms of the archbishop and the responses of the president of the Ceni.
A gigantic disorder during the elections:
During his Christmas mass, Cardinal Ambongo deplored the conditions for organizing the December 20 elections in the DRC. He described this event as a “gigantic organized, planned disorder”. He also expressed his indignation at the acts of violence perpetrated during that day, in particular the attack on a woman who voted for the opposition. The archbishop questioned the image that this situation sends abroad and the moral decadence of Congolese society.
The response from the president of the Céni:
Denis Kadima, president of the Ceni, responded to the archbishop’s criticism. He affirmed that the disorder observed was not the responsibility of the Ceni, but rather the result of external elements. He underlined the efforts made by the Ceni to ensure the security and smooth running of the electoral process. He also said people involved in the violence had already been arrested and measures had been taken to secure election machines.
The role of each person in the electoral process:
The president of the Ceni recalled that the responsibility for organizing the elections does not rest only on the Ceni, but also on other actors such as the security forces and financiers. He underlined the role of Congolese society in the success of the electoral process, calling for collective awareness to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Conclusion :
The Archbishop of Kinshasa strongly criticized the disorder which marred the elections in the DRC, while the president of the Ceni defended the efforts made by his institution to guarantee the smooth running of the electoral process. This controversy reveals the tensions and challenges that the DRC faces in its democratic quest. It is essential that all actors involved in the electoral process act responsibly and transparently to establish a climate of trust and ensure respect for the will of the Congolese people.