**In the heart of Masimanimba: Towards partial legislative elections under high surveillance**
In the heart of Masimanimba, an electoral effervescence is looming on the horizon. In Masimanimba, the train of preparations for the partial legislative elections continues its merry way, carrying with it the hope of a renewed democracy. The Independent National Electoral Commission (Ceni) is currently deploying its system in each sector capital, issuing precious duplicates of voter cards. This initiative is generating enthusiasm among the population, rekindling the flame of citizen participation and fueling legitimate expectations regarding the outcome of the next elections.
In Masamuna, a strategic city in the Masimanimba territory, residents are mobilizing in favor of the electoral process relaunched by the Ceni. Demanding transparency and respect for the results, they aspire to elect legitimate representatives capable of embodying their aspirations and promoting the development of their territory.
The scars left by the unrest during the previous elections remain fresh in people’s minds. On December 20, 2023, Masimanimba was the scene of incidents that led to the cancellation of the results. Today, residents are demanding guarantees of security and integrity to ensure the smooth running of the poll scheduled for December 15. They strongly express their desire to see these elections take place in serenity, far from the violence and disruptions of the past.
The memory of the tragic events of December 2024 remains fresh in people’s minds. Masamuna suffered significant damage, including the loss of many voting machines. These elections were marred by violence, fraud and acts of vandalism, leading to their cancellation. More than 200 voting machines were destroyed across the territory of Masimanimba, leaving deep scars in the collective conscience.
In this crucial period for local democracy, residents express their ardent desire to see these elections take place in transparency, security and integrity. They call on the Ceni to take all necessary measures to guarantee an irreproachable electoral process, respectful of the popular will and conducive to the emergence of new leaders committed to the well-being of the community.
Jonathan Mesa, from Kikwit, for Fatshimetrie