2024-01-21
The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) responds to accusations from the Congolese Catholic clergy over the conduct of the December general elections. In a statement, the clergy questioned the integrity of the CENI and accused the organization of planning electoral fraud. The CENI published a detailed 20-point response to refute these accusations and defend its role in the organization of the elections.
CENI spokesperson Patricia Nseya criticized the clergy’s superficial analysis, saying it failed to address the real problems and their causes. She emphasizes that fraud and corruption are deliberate acts which are ethical and moral, and that the CENI was the victim of certain actors in Congolese society.
The CENI claims to have carried out investigations and taken exemplary sanctions against electoral offenders, thus proving its desire to fight against fraud. She also welcomes the fact that the clergy does not question the provisional results announced by the CENI during the presidential election.
The question of extending the constitutional deadline for the organization of elections is also addressed. The CENI explains that failure to hold the elections on time would have resulted in a legal vacuum with unforeseeable consequences.
Regarding the request for a joint commission of inquiry, the CENI recalls that this prerogative falls within its exclusive competence under the law.
In conclusion, the CENI invites the clergy to focus on its role in shaping the consciences and moralizing of the population and political actors.
The CENI’s response to the Congolese Catholic clergy’s accusations highlights the actions taken by the organization to combat electoral fraud. It also highlights the issues linked to the holding of elections within constitutional deadlines and recalls the responsibility of the clergy in the formation of consciences.