Article: “Postponement of the publication of the provisional results of the elections in the DRC: What consequences for the country?”
This Friday, January 12, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced the postponement of the publication of the provisional results of the national, provincial and municipal legislative elections of December 20. This decision was taken during a plenary of the CENI which is still under deliberation.
This postponement raises many questions as to the reasons which pushed the CENI to make such a decision. Some report possible tensions within the commission, while others mention technical problems linked to the processing of the results. Whatever the reason, this delay in the publication of provisional results risks accentuating the tensions already present in the country.
Indeed, since the elections were held, several candidates have contested the results and filed requests before the Council of State. However, the latter declared itself incompetent to rule on these requests, thus leaving a feeling of injustice among the candidates invalidated by the CENI for various reasons, ranging from electoral fraud to incitement to violence against electoral agents.
This postponement of the publication of the provisional results therefore adds uncertainty and discontent among the various political actors and the Congolese population. Without clear and verified results, confidence in the electoral process risks being undermined and tensions could intensify in the coming days.
It is therefore crucial that the CENI takes all necessary measures to ensure the transparency and credibility of the elections. It is also essential that the various stakeholders promote dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts in order to avoid any risk of violence.
In conclusion, the postponement of the publication of the provisional results of the elections in the DRC raises many questions and risks accentuating the tensions already present in the country. It is imperative that the situation is managed in a transparent and peaceful manner in order to preserve stability and democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.