The political grouping Action des Alliés de l’Union pour la Nation Congolaise (A/A UNC) led by Vital Kamerhe recently filed a petition with the Lualaba Court of Appeal with the aim of contesting the provisional results of the election of governor and vice-governor of the province. The request aims to question the legitimacy of the elected candidates Masuka Saïni Fifi and Mufundji Tshinat Karl Clément, proclaimed governor and vice-governor of the province of Lualaba following the preliminary results.
The request, filed by Maître Benjamin Ndoly Ingange, raises several points of irregularity concerning the eligibility of candidate Masuka Saïni Fifi due to previous constitutional mandates, contrary to article 198 paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the DRC. In addition, the AA/UNC grouping highlights another violation concerning the incompatibility of elective mandates with that of a serving governor, as stipulated in article 108 of the Congolese constitution.
The accusation does not stop only at the candidate declared elected, but also extends to members of the government who could find themselves in a similar situation. This protest highlights possible breaches of constitutional and electoral principles, thus calling into question the legitimacy of the proclaimed results.
The electoral dispute trial is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 in Kolwezi, promising an in-depth examination of this case which raises major concerns in terms of respect for the law and electoral transparency.
This request to contest the results of the election of the governor and vice-governor of the province of Lualaba reflects the concern of the AA/UNC grouping to guarantee the integrity of the electoral process and respect for democratic rules. It highlights the importance of ensuring compliance of applications and results with the country’s fundamental texts in order to preserve the legitimacy and credibility of government institutions.