Title: The controversial expenses of the CENI during the 2023 elections revealed by the CREFDL
Introduction :
The recent report from the Center for Research in Public Finance and Local Development (CREFDL) reveals budget overruns, opacity in the management of funds and the award of public contracts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) during the process. electoral of 2023. These criticized financial practices have led to significant losses for public funds, amounting to nearly 400 million USD. Let’s take a closer look at the conclusions of this study carried out in collaboration with the NGO Democracy Reporting International (DRI).
Analysis of CENI expenditure:
The CREFDL report highlights several problems related to CENI spending during the 2023 elections. First of all, a budget overrun was noted, which raises questions about the management of funds allocated to the organization of the elections. . Then, the opacity in the awarding of public contracts was reported, leaving doubts about the fairness and transparency of these procedures.
The consequences on public funds:
According to the CREFDL report, these questionable financial practices led to considerable financial losses for the State, estimated at nearly 400 million USD. It is alarming to note that this public money could have been used much more effectively for the development of the country and the improvement of the living conditions of citizens. These controversial expenditures reveal a lack of accountability and integrity in the management of financial resources.
Implications for CENI:
These revelations highlight shortcomings in the functioning of the CENI in terms of accountability, transparency and financial management. It is essential that steps are taken to address these issues and ensure better control over spending in future elections. Citizen confidence in the electoral process is essential to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of the results.
CREFDL and DRI recommendations:
The CREFDL recommends an in-depth reform of the financial management of the CENI, in particular by strengthening the control and transparency mechanisms in the award of public contracts. DRI adds that collaboration with international organizations specialized in election supervision can also help ensure a more transparent and fair electoral process.
Conclusion :
The results of the CREFDL report highlight the difficulties encountered by the CENI during the 2023 electoral process. Budget overruns and opacity in the management of public funds and procurement raise concerns about the integrity and transparency of the organization of elections. It is crucial that steps are taken to address these issues to ensure citizen confidence in the electoral process. Reforming the financial management of the CENI and strengthening control mechanisms are important recommendations for the future of elections in the DRC.