The democratic functioning of a country depends largely on the holding of transparent and fair elections. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the elections of provincial senators, governors and vice-governors represent a major issue. It is in this context that the President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Denis Kadima, recently spoke with the ad interim Coordinator of the Agency for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption (APLC), Michel-Victor Lessay .
During this meeting, the two officials discussed several current issues, including the establishment of provincial senators, governors and vice-governors. Michel-Victor Lessay underlined the quality of the exchanges with Denis Kadima, describing them as “instructive and fruitful”. He also recalled the essential role of the CENI in the organization of elections, as a parent institution which generates other institutions.
Elections for senators, governors and vice-governors of provinces in the DRC are often marked by large-scale attempts at corruption. This is why, as part of its prevention mission, the APLC announced the provision of a toll-free number to discourage all forms of corruption. Michel-Victor Lessay stressed that the APLC will be vigilant and will ensure the transparent and fair conduct of these elections. Any attempt at corruption will be severely denounced by the agency.
Created in 2020, the Agency for the Prevention and Fight against Corruption is the national authority of reference in the fight against corruption in the DRC. Placed under the authority of the President of the Republic, it coordinates all public services and bodies responsible for the fight against corruption, money laundering, organized crime and related offenses.
The establishment of a toll-free number to denounce attempts at corruption during elections is an important measure to ensure the transparency of the electoral process in the DRC. It is essential that political actors act with integrity and respect democratic rules to ensure free and fair elections.
In short, the fight against corruption and the promotion of integrity in elections are crucial issues for democracy in the DRC. The APLC and the CENI work closely together to prevent and denounce corrupt practices. Providing a toll-free number is a valuable tool to enable the population to denounce any form of corruption and thus contribute to the transparency of the electoral process.