Gentiny Ngobila, former minister and deputy candidate, finds himself in a delicate situation after being removed from the list of candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Despite his dismissal from his position as governor of Kinshasa, Ngobila remains determined to recover his votes and assert his rights.
During a meeting with his close associates, Ngobila expressed his determination, saying: “Don’t be afraid. We continue to follow. The president told me to go to the Constitutional Court to get our votes back. They removed our votes deliberately, we will get them back in the same way.”
His dismissal follows the decision of the CENI to remove people suspected of fraud and/or electoral violence. A measure contested by his party, the ACP (Alliance for the Congo and the People), which denounces “marginalization and injustice” towards Ngobila.
The ACP expresses its surprise at the results declared in several constituencies, stressing that the roots of the party and the results obtained by its candidates justified obtaining the seats. Localities such as Kiri, Yumbi, Bolobo, Kutu, Inongo, Bandundu-Ville, Mbuji-Mayi, Feshi, Kananga, Masimanimba, Lukunga, Mont-Amba, Kikwit are affected by this protest.
The ACP party therefore asks the CENI to proclaim the candidates actually elected, in accordance with the wishes of the presidium of the Sacred Union. In response, the CENI reminds protesting candidates of the process of filing appeals with the Constitutional Court within eight days following the announcement of the provisional results. Once seized, the dispute regarding these ballots will be examined within two months by the Constitutional Court.
Gentiny Ngobila’s fight to recover his votes and defend his political rights has only just begun. It remains to be seen what the final decision of the Constitutional Court will be and what consequences this case will have on the political balance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.