Title: Bishops denounce irregularities during legislative elections in the DRC
Introduction :
The provisional results of the legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo have sparked strong reactions among members of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO). In a statement made public, the bishops expressed their concern over the irregularities noted during the electoral process. They particularly fear a return to a single-party system, which would be a setback for the country’s nascent democracy. Let’s take a closer look at the main concerns raised by the bishops.
1. Irregularities and fraud noted
The bishops denounced the numerous irregularities and incidents noted during the voting operations. They point the finger at fraud and manipulation which seriously affected the conduct of the elections. Among the anomalies noted, we note the duplication of polling stations, leading to an artificial increase in the number of voters. The bishops also question the transparency of information published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and highlight the opacity surrounding the mapping of polling stations.
2. The consequences on the representativeness of the opposition
The provisional results of the national legislative elections suggest a clear majority for the Sacred Union of the Nation, the platform supporting President Félix Tshisekedi. The bishops are concerned about the low representation of the opposition, with only 6% of deputies from it. They believe that this situation risks favoring monopartyism and limiting political pluralism, thus endangering the country’s emerging democracy.
3. Questioning voter confidence
The irregularities observed during the electoral process, coupled with doubts about the integrity of the results, risk harming voters’ confidence in institutions and the political system. The bishops emphasize the importance of preserving this trust to guarantee the legitimacy of institutions and maintain a climate conducive to the stability and development of the country.
Conclusion :
The statement from CENCO member bishops highlights concerns over irregularities in the legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Beyond the provisional results, it is the transparency of the electoral process and the representativeness of the opposition which are called into question. It is essential to take these concerns into account and ensure that the next elections take place in a climate of integrity and trust, in order to consolidate democracy and guarantee fair representation of all political forces in the country.