Title: Electoral observation in the DRC: CENCO and ECC denounce irregularities
Introduction :
The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) recently released a joint statement following their electoral observation mission for the December 2023 elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite the efforts made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the government in organizing the vote, the two religious institutions highlighted numerous irregularities in their preliminary declaration. This article will highlight the observations and requests made by CENCO and the ECC following this electoral observation mission.
Irregularities documented by CENCO and ECC:
According to the preliminary statement of the CENCO and ECC electoral observation mission, multiple irregularities were noted during the December 2023 elections. These irregularities allegedly resulted in violations of the legal framework and electoral administration. The two religious institutions therefore asked the Attorney General at the Constitutional Court to take up ex officio all denunciations linked to these irregularities in order to establish electoral sincerity and restore the pride of the Republic.
The demands of CENCO and ECC:
In addition to the request for referral to the Attorney General to the Constitutional Court, CENCO and the ECC also urged the Attorney General of the Republic to prosecute the alleged perpetrators of acts of fraud and violence. They also called on the CENI to shed light on documented cases of irregularities and violations of the legal framework, while proposing the establishment of an independent and mixed commission of inquiry. The transparency of electoral results was also highlighted, with the request for publication of results polling station by polling station, in accordance with electoral law.
The condemnation of violence and the call for unity:
In their joint statement, CENCO and ECC strongly condemned the verbal and physical violence that was observed during the electoral process. They called on the Congolese population to remain united in the fight against anti-values and to promote a peaceful settlement of possible demands. The Catholic and Protestant churches have stressed the importance of preserving stability and harmony within the country.
Conclusion :
The CENCO and ECC electoral observation mission in the DRC revealed numerous irregularities during the December 2023 elections. Faced with these findings, the two religious institutions made crucial requests to shed light on the shortcomings and guarantee the transparency and sincerity of electoral results. While condemning the violence and calling for unity, CENCO and the ECC stressed the importance of preserving stability and harmony within the country.