Fatshimetrie, the political news meeting in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In the context of preparation for the legislative elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) launched a training of trainers in the territories of Masimanimba in Kwilu and Yakoma in North Ubangi, with a view to ensuring the smooth running of the electoral process. This crucial step aims to guarantee the quality of electoral operations and to correct past mistakes in order to restore citizens’ confidence.
Denis Kadima, President of the CENI, stressed the importance of this level 1 training which will enable electoral trainers to effectively supervise local electoral agents, such as heads of voting centers and IT technicians. The objective is to strengthen the skills of the actors involved in the electoral process and to ensure rigorous supervision of operations on the ground. He also highlighted the persistent challenges related to securing the electoral process, particularly in terms of police personnel, means of transport and communication.
Paul Muhindu, managerial supervisor of the training, highlighted the importance of rigor and impartiality in electoral practice. He reminded participants of the urgency of banning favoritism and abuse, emphasizing the need to correct the weaknesses noted during the previous elections in Masimanimba and Yakoma. Transparency and integrity must be at the heart of each stage of the electoral process to strengthen citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions.
The elections of December 20, 2023, initially canceled in Masimanimba and Yakoma due to electoral fraud, corruption and violence, have still not been reorganized despite successive postponements. The CENI is committed to guaranteeing free and fair elections, but security and logistical challenges remain major issues to be addressed to ensure the smooth running of the poll.
In conclusion, the training of trainers for the organization of legislative elections in the DRC demonstrates the willingness of the electoral authorities to guarantee a transparent and credible electoral process. It is everyone’s responsibility to respect democratic rules and contribute to building a reliable and democratic electoral system.