The Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to deliver its verdict in a very important legal case. The case pits Théodore Ngoyi against the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and concerns the validity of the results of the presidential election which was held on December 20, 2023.
In this case, Théodore Ngoyi, unsuccessful candidate in the presidential election, contests the results because of multiple irregularities that he claims to have noted. Among these irregularities, he mentions in particular ballot stuffing, destruction of voting machines, extensions of voting beyond the deadline and the absence of display of voter lists.
During the hearing held on January 8, the Constitutional Court examined the arguments of both parties. Théodore Ngoyi asks the Court to annul the results and reorganize the polls throughout the country, including in areas affected by insecurity. He argues that some voters were unfairly excluded and that this constitutes a violation of the Constitution.
The attorney general at the Constitutional Court said Théodore Ngoyi’s petition was admissible, but lacked sufficient evidence to support allegations of irregularities. He therefore recommended to the Court to definitively proclaim Félix Tshisekedi as elected president, stressing that he had obtained the majority of votes cast.
Félix Tshisekedi’s lawyers, for their part, argued that the reported irregularities had no impact on the results and warned against the cancellation of the election, considering this a dangerous precedent.
The Constitutional Court, after deliberation, will deliver its verdict no later than January 12. This decision will have major consequences on the political future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Please note that this article is based on information available at the time of writing and final results of the case may differ.