The cancellation of votes cast in national and provincial legislative elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to create turmoil in the Congolese socio-political landscape. This decision, which resulted from the invalidation of 82 candidates for fraud and illegal possession of voting machines, arouses strong reactions among the various political actors in the country.
In a joint statement, several candidates for the presidential election, including Floribert Anzuluni, Franck Diongo, Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi, Seth Kikuni, Augustin Matata, Denis Mukwege and Delly Sesanga, denounce the alleged complicity of the CENI with the political family by Felix Tshisekedi. According to them, the beneficiaries of the voting machines are mainly from the ruling majority, which raises doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.
The candidates question the bias of the CENI, stressing that if the legislative elections were judged corrupt, it is difficult to believe that the presidential election was spared. They therefore demand the total cancellation of the elections at all levels and demand that the members of the CENI, as well as their alleged accomplices, be brought to justice. They also call on all Congolese people to mobilize against electoral fraud and to defend their sovereignty.
The CENI, for its part, set up a commission of inquiry responsible for examining the fraudulent acts committed by certain candidates during the elections. This commission has already identified 82 candidates involved across the country and invalidated them before the publication of the provisional results. The complaints against these candidates include fraud, corruption, illegal detention of voting machines, vandalism of electoral materials and intimidation of electoral agents.
This situation raises questions about the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Political tensions are heightened and the confidence of the Congolese people in the electoral system is severely tested. It is essential that concrete measures are taken to restore confidence and guarantee a democratic and fair election.
In a context where elections are often a sensitive subject and where manipulation is frequent, it is crucial that responsible institutions ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. Only a free and fair election will allow the Congolese people to truly express their will and choose their representatives with complete confidence.
It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what actions will ultimately be taken to resolve this electoral crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.. It is essential that all political and social actors engage in constructive dialogue in order to find a solution which respects the will of the Congolese people and which strengthens democracy in the country.