The results of the senatorial elections in the province of North Kivu, which were held on May 26, resulted in the emergence of four new representatives from the region within the Senate. This election, organized in a transparent and calm manner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), was an opportunity for provincial deputies to choose from a list of thirty-four qualified candidates.
The elected officials who will have the honor of sitting in the Senate are Papy Mumbere Machozi, independent candidate, elected with nine votes, Jean-Marie Kasereka Katokolyo of the A/B50 political group, as well as Jacquemin Shabani Lukoo of the UDPS/Tshisekedi, both elected with eight votes each. Finally, Célestin Vunabandi Kanyamihigo, an independent candidate, obtained six votes, also giving him a seat in the upper house of Parliament.
This election is of particular importance in a context marked by the state of siege declared in the province of North Kivu to deal with the security crisis plaguing the region. The new senators will thus have the duty to defend the interests and rights of the inhabitants of the province, bruised by years of recurring conflicts and insecurity.
The peaceful conduct of this election and the strong participation of provincial deputies, with 47 votes cast out of 48, demonstrate a real desire for democracy and representativeness within the parliamentary institution. These results must now be made official by the CENI in Kinshasa and confirmed by the Council of State, in order to allow the new northern senators to begin their mandate within the Senate.
This election marks an important stage in the political life of the province of North Kivu, offering its inhabitants the hope of effective and committed representation at the highest level of the State. The challenges awaiting the new senators are multiple, but their primary responsibility will be to give a strong voice to a population seeking peace and prosperity after years of conflict and suffering.