Title: The Constitutional Court examines electoral disputes in national legislative elections
Introduction:
The Constitutional Court will examine the disputes relating to the results of the national legislative elections which took place on December 20, 2023. More than 80 national deputy candidates are concerned by these disputes, with accusations of electoral fraud and violations of electoral rules. The session of the Constitutional Court scheduled for Thursday February 8 will be decisive in the settlement of these cases.
Analysis of election results:
Following investigations carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), more than 80 national deputy candidates had their votes canceled. These candidates are accused of having committed various acts of electoral fraud and vandalism of electoral materials. The possession of electronic voting devices was also reported. Among the candidates affected by these disputes are political figures such as Évariste Boshab, Mbuta Muntu Lwanga Charles, Collette Tshomba, Pembe Luemba Tatiana, Gentiny Ngobila Mbaka, Nsingi Pululu, Lwese Victorine, Mabaya Gizi, Nana Manuanina, etc.
Appeal to the Constitutional Court:
Initially, these candidates whose results were invalidated had contacted the Council of State, but the latter declared itself incompetent to rule on these cases. It is therefore the Constitutional Court which will have to decide on these electoral disputes. Lawyers for the invalidated candidates strongly criticized the CENI’s decision, claiming that it exceeded its powers by invalidating the results without first hearing the parties concerned. They also denounce a violation of the rights of the defense.
Issues in the Constitutional Court’s decision:
The decision of the Constitutional Court on these electoral disputes is of crucial importance for the credibility of the electoral process. It will not only have to evaluate the evidence presented by the CENI, but also respect the principles of transparency and justice. The decisions rendered will have a direct impact on the composition of the National Assembly and therefore on the political representativeness of the country. Therefore, it is essential that the Constitutional Court carefully considers all petitions and protects the rights of the candidates concerned.
Conclusion:
The Constitutional Court is about to render an important decision concerning electoral disputes in the national legislative elections. Accusations of electoral fraud and violations of electoral rules led to the annulment of the results of more than 80 national deputy candidates. The court’s decision will be crucial for the credibility of the electoral process and the composition of the National Assembly. Let us hope that the Constitutional Court will demonstrate transparency and justice in its deliberations.