In the year 2024, the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, is shaken by allegations of corruption and electoral fraud during the elections for senators, governors and vice-governors. The organization Justicia ASBL highlighted the actions of the Secretary General of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS-Tshisekedi), Augustin Kabuya, accusing him of blatant acts of corruption.
In a press release, Justicia ASBL highlighted the statements of Augustin Kabuya, claiming to have distributed free TOYOTA TXL vehicles to several provincial deputies just before the elections. These actions, considered corruption by the organization, raise questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Kinshasa.
The comments made by Augustin Kabuya, boasting of offering vehicles to provincial deputies to motivate them to support UDPS candidates, appear to present elements of corruption and favoritism. Indeed, the link between these gifts and the massive support of provincial deputies for the UDPS candidates in the senatorial and governor-vice-governor elections raises legitimate suspicions.
Justicia ASBL affirms that this practice goes against Congolese laws on corruption, in particular Law No. 05/006 of March 29, 2005. This distribution of vehicles, of significant value, could be interpreted as an attempt to vote buying and manipulation of the democratic process.
The revelations from Justicia ASBL highlight the flaws in the electoral system and underline the importance of ensuring the integrity of elections to guarantee democracy and transparency. Suspected acts of corruption must be quickly investigated and punished to preserve citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and democratic institutions.
It is essential that the relevant authorities take firm action to combat corruption and ensure free and fair elections. Civil society, the media and citizens must remain vigilant and demand accountability for these practices that compromise the integrity of the democratic system.
In summary, Justicia ASBL’s revelations highlight persistent electoral integrity challenges in Kinshasa and underscore the need to combat corruption and fraudulent practices for a strong and transparent democracy.
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