The Chaotic Elections in the DRC: A blatant violation of laws and ethical values
The December 20, 2023 elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo were marked by unprecedented chaos, highlighting a blatant violation of laws and ethical values. Despite a budget of more than a billion US dollars allocated to the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI), these elections aroused distrust and frustration rather than hope and trust among citizens. In this article, we will examine the various dysfunctions which marred these elections and the consequences on Congolese democracy.
The CENI, supposed to be an independent and impartial body, acted as an instrument of the power in place, favoring the Sacred Union, the presidential coalition, to the detriment of respect for democratic rules. Parallel voting centers were set up in private residences protected by police, where illegally configured voting machines were used to inflate votes for ruling candidates. Many opposition witnesses as well as national and international observers were chased away from polling stations to facilitate the falsification of the results. Technical failures and delays in the delivery of voting machines also compromised the integrity of the electoral process.
These irregularities cast a shadow over the credibility of the proclaimed results. The Congolese people massively demonstrated their support for the opposition by voting in favor of candidate Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, but it was the government candidate who was declared the winner by the CENI. This situation is reminiscent of the controversial 2018 elections, where the real winner was also sidelined in favor of a candidate more favorable to the ruling regime.
These chaotic elections highlight a deeper problem: that of the manipulation of the electoral process by Congolese leaders to maintain power and personal enrichment. Instead of allowing the people to freely choose their representatives, elections become a means of perpetuating a contested system and defying the will of the people.
It is time for Congolese leaders to realize the importance of democracy and transparency in the electoral process. Elections should be opportunities to build trust among citizens, not sources of division and distrust. The DRC needs profound reforms to guarantee free and fair elections, respecting fundamental democratic principles.
In conclusion, the chaotic elections of December 2023 in the DRC highlighted serious dysfunctions and a flagrant violation of laws and ethical values.. It is essential that steps are taken to restore confidence in the electoral process and to promote genuine democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese people deserve free, transparent and fair elections, where their voice will truly be heard and respected.