Fatshimetrie: Low mobilization of candidates for the municipal elections in the DRC
The political scene in the Democratic Republic of Congo is marked by low enthusiasm among candidates for the upcoming municipal elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) notes with concern the lack of interest of potential candidates for the positions of urban councilors and mayors, as the closing of candidacies approaches.
Since the start of operations to receive and process applications on April 25, only 31 forms have been withdrawn, without any concrete application file having been submitted until now. This alarming observation is shared by the provincial executive secretary of the CENI in South Kivu, Pius Bikungu, who deplores the lack of commitment of candidates to respect the deadlines set.
The figures speak for themselves: only 18 people came forward for the positions of urban councilors, while the applications for mayors only included 13 interested parties. A situation which raises questions as to the reasons for this sudden disinterest. Pius Bikungu raises the hypothesis of a lack of preparation on the part of the candidates or even a disinterest on the part of their respective political parties.
On this last day of submission of applications, the hope remains that new applicants will be added to the list already established. However, it is imperative for the CENI to put an end to extensions and remind candidates of the importance of respecting deadlines in order to guarantee the smooth running of the electoral process.
This weak mobilization of candidates for the municipal elections raises questions about the involvement of local political actors in the democratic process. It is essential that potential candidates mobilize and fully engage in this crucial stage of the country’s political life, in order to ensure democratic representativeness and a renewal of municipal authorities.