Fatshimetrie: Towards Major Electoral Reforms in the DRC
National MP and constitutional law professor Paul-Gaspard Ngondankoy stressed at the workshop organized by the Carter Center in Kisantu that the Democratic Republic of Congo must move towards a census system for the 2028 electoral cycle. This recommendation aims to move away from the provisional registration system and modernize the country’s electoral process.
According to Ngondankoy, the transition to a census and voter identification would allow for a more equitable distribution of seats based on the demographics of each constituency. By using the general population register, the electoral register would be drawn directly from this base, thus eliminating the significant costs associated with the frequent renewal of the electoral register.
This approach would not only reduce the expenses related to the organization of elections, but would also guarantee increased transparency and enhanced credibility of the electoral process in the DRC. Indeed, based on accurate and up-to-date data, it would be possible to better control and clean up the electorate, thus preventing fraud and irregularities.
The workshop organized by the Carter Center, which brought together representatives of the majority and the political opposition, was part of a dynamic of reflection and exchanges aimed at relevant and sustainable reforms in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The discussions were enriched by the diversity of points of view expressed, reflecting the common desire to develop the country’s electoral system towards internationally recognized standards.
In conclusion, the adoption of a census system for the development of the electoral register in the DRC represents a significant and necessary step forward to guarantee transparent, legitimate and democratic elections. This initiative, if implemented with rigor and inclusiveness, could contribute to strengthening citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and consolidating democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.