Results of general elections in the DRC: the need for an independent investigation
The provisional results of the general elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on December 20 sparked strong reactions due to cases of irregularities that marred the democratic process. Faced with these denunciations of electoral fraud, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the cancellation of the results of the national and provincial legislative elections for certain candidates and in certain constituencies.
However, this decision by the CENI does not fully satisfy Moïse Katumbi, opposition presidential candidate under the banner of Ensemble pour la République. In a political declaration published recently, he insists on the need to quickly set up an independent and joint commission of inquiry in order to shed light on the irregularities which marred the election.
Moïse Katumbi emphasizes that the CENI cannot play the role of this commission of inquiry, being itself at the heart of accusations of fraud and manipulation of the electoral process. According to him, the cancellation of the provisional results of certain legislative candidates for reasons of cheating or illegal possession of voting machines is a headlong rush on the part of the CENI which does not replace the creation of an independent commission and mixed, as recommended by the electoral observation mission of the Conference of Churches of Congo (Cenco) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC).
The opposition candidate affirms that the numerous irregularities denounced, such as the illegal possession of voting materials by candidates of the presidential majority, call into question the integrity of the entire vote, including the presidential election. He therefore requests the suspension of the electoral process pending the conclusions of the much-requested commission of inquiry.
Moïse Katumbi goes even further by demanding the resignation of the president of the CENI, considering that he has damaged more than anyone else the current electoral process, described as a sham election.
In view of these irregularities, Moïse Katumbi calls on the Congolese people to oppose any exercise of power in flagrant violation of the Constitution. He believes that fraud cannot generate any legitimacy and that severe sanctions must be taken to preserve the foundations of Congolese democracy.
Furthermore, the CENI recently invalidated the provisional results of 82 candidates, including several influential political figures in power, due to irregularities observed during the general elections. This decision reinforces questions about the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process in the DRC.
In conclusion, the results of the general elections in the DRC were marred by cases of irregularities, which prompted calls for the establishment of an independent and joint commission of inquiry to shed light on these incidents. Moïse Katumbi, opposition candidate, also calls for the resignation of the president of the CENI and calls on the Congolese people to oppose any exercise of power in violation of the Constitution. The political situation in the DRC remains tense, with crucial issues concerning the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process. The establishment of an independent investigation could help ease these tensions and restore confidence in the Congolese electoral system.