The territory of Masimanimba, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is preparing for a crucial day with the national and provincial legislative elections to be held on December 15. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) expressed its satisfaction with the responsible conduct of the candidates and their supporters during the electoral campaign. However, it urges them to maintain this civic attitude throughout the electoral process, including during the voting, the announcement of provisional results and after these.
According to information provided by the CENI, 302 candidates are running for the five seats to be filled in the national deputation, while 571 others are running for the eight seats in the provincial legislative elections. To ensure the smooth running of the election, 240 voting centers and 768 polling stations will be operational on D-Day.
The rerun of elections in the electoral districts of Masimanimba and Yakoma follows the cancellation of previous elections due to allegations of fraud, destruction of electoral materials and acts of violence against CENI agents. These districts currently have no representation in the Senate, the National Assembly or even the provincial assembly.
This election is of paramount importance for democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Voters in Masimanimba are therefore called upon to exercise their right to vote in a peaceful and civic manner, in the greater interest of their nation.
The CENI wishes to stress the importance of a transparent, free and fair electoral process to guarantee the legitimacy of the people’s representatives. Let us hope that this election day will be conducted in accordance with democratic standards and will contribute to strengthening democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.