Title: Together for the Republic authorizes its deputies to sit in the National Assembly
Introduction:
In a two-day conclave held in Lubumbashi, the political party Ensemble pour la République, led by Moise Katumbi, took the decision to allow its deputies to sit in the National Assembly. This announcement comes after the controversial results of the presidential election which gave Felix Tshisekedi the winner with 73% of the votes. However, Ensemble pour la République has clearly indicated that its elected representatives will oppose any constitutional revision process.
A call to cancel the elections:
During his speech, Moise Katumbi, who placed second in the presidential election with 18% of the votes, strongly denounced the electoral shams. He demanded the elections be canceled and criticized the declared result that propelled Felix Tshisekedi to the post of president. For him, these elections were marred by massive fraud and do not reflect the will of the Congolese people.
The decision to authorize the deputies of Ensemble pour la République to sit:
Despite its call to cancel the elections, the political party Ensemble pour la République made the decision to authorize its deputies to sit in the National Assembly. This decision is certainly motivated by the desire to make the voice of the opposition heard through parliamentary bodies. Ensemble pour la République deputies will thus have the opportunity to denounce electoral irregularities and defend the interests of the party and its voters.
Opposition to constitutional revision:
In the current political climate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, many fear that President Tshisekedi will seek to revise the Constitution to consolidate his power. The Ensemble pour la République, through its decision to oppose its deputies to any constitutional revision process, sends a clear message of resistance to this eventuality. The party considers that any attempt to modify the Constitution would be illegitimate and an affront to democracy.
Conclusion:
The decision of Ensemble pour la République to authorize its deputies to sit in the National Assembly strengthens the voice of the opposition in the face of the controversial results of the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite its call for the cancellation of the elections, the party remains determined to make its voice heard within parliamentary bodies to defend the interests of its voters. The opposition also fears any attempt at constitutional revision which could call into question the country’s democratic achievements. The political situation in the DRC remains tense and the political future of the country remains uncertain.