Government financial and security support for elections in the DRC
Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge recently reiterated the Congolese government’s commitment to financially and security support the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) for the conclusion of the different stages of the current electoral cycle.
During the 122nd meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister praised the smooth running of the electoral process in the DRC. He stressed that these elections demonstrate the rooting of democratic culture in the country, particularly with the organization, for the first time, of elections at the municipal level.
In his report of the meeting, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said that the government was closely monitoring the various upcoming electoral operations. He underlined the government’s determination to financially and securely support the CENI to carry out the planned electoral calendar.
It should be noted that the CENI has already organized the four direct elections last December, namely the presidential, national legislative, provincial legislative and municipal elections. It is now preparing to organize the next indirect elections, such as the election of senators, governors and vice-provincial governors.
Initially scheduled for January 1, 2024, the convocation of the electorate for these indirect ballots was postponed due to the ongoing work of compiling the provisional results of the national and provincial legislative elections, as well as the elections of municipal councilors.
This support from the government is essential to ensure the smooth running of the elections in the DRC. It will enable the CENI to carry out its activities and guarantee the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
It is encouraging to see that the Congolese government recognizes the importance of these elections and is committed to actively supporting them. This demonstrates the country’s commitment to consolidating its democracy and ensuring free and fair elections.
The attention paid to citizens’ concerns and security issues also demonstrates the government’s desire to take into account the needs and aspirations of the population, in order to ensure that the elections take place in a secure environment conducive to democratic expression.
In conclusion, the financial and security support of the Congolese government for the CENI is an important step in consolidating democracy in the DRC. These elections, whether direct or indirect, are crucial to give a voice to the Congolese people and to guarantee legitimate and representative governance.