** Kwilu elections: the sacred union on the edge of the implosion before the crucial ballot of April 2 **
On the eve of the provincial elections of April 2 at the Kwilu, the political climate increased with a controversial announcement concerning the designation of the governor candidate, Philippe Akamituna Ndolo, by the permanent secretary of the Sacred Union. While the coalition is supposed to embody unity and political solidarity, this decision has highlighted internal fractures which could compromise the very future of this political alliance.
** A decree decision: the internal fracture of the sacred union **
The massive rejection of the press release, described as “false document” by influential figures of the sacred union, is indicative of deep discomfort. Ethis Mbala, Federal President of AFDC, testifies to this dissension. His declaration, expressing his dissatisfaction with the absence of a prior consultation, asks a crucial question: is it really the time to act with an authoritarian abruptly centralization, especially on the eve of such a decisive ballot?
The controversy not only highlights disagreements on how to designate the candidates, but also highlights the lack of unit within a group supposed to bring together the living forces of the province. This internal vacant could become embarrassing, while observers wonder if the possibility of a vote in favor of independent candidates could emerge as a reaction to this controversial decision.
** An electoral context made explosive by the division **
With sixteen candidates in the running for these elections, all from the Sacred Union, the situation is already tense. The influence of a political system based on the blind designation of candidates could come against the will of the voters. Indeed, in an electoral context where no candidacy of the opposition has been recorded, it becomes essential to give a real voice to the aspirations of local populations.
The issues remain of a large scale. If the voters turn away from the designated candidates, there is a perceptible risk of seeing the influence and the legitimacy of the sacred union shaken. Indeed, the vision of a unique “ticket” for the elections may have little resonance in the ballot boxes if the members themselves of the different wings of the coalition do not find themselves there.
** The response of the designated candidate: a dynamic of reinsurance in the face of the storm **
Philippe Akamituna Ndolo, the designated candidate, seems to be firmly sticking to the position of the hierarchy of the Sacred Union, with the displayed support of Crispin Sankwi, Federal President of the UCC. However, such a dynamic of reinsurance may well prove to be insufficient if it is perceived as an attempt at parallelism and taxation of decisions without regard for the dissident votes. This could produce a boomerang effect, making the mobilizations of voters more difficult in the hours preceding the vote.
** A warning for the political future of Kwilu and beyond **
The growing differences within the sacred union should encourage political actors to revisit their strategies. The case of Kwilu could become an instructive model not only for the province, but also for other parts of the Republic where the centralization of decisions remains omnipresent without consultation of local actors. A policy that aims to be effective and legitimate must necessarily include mechanisms of representativeness and consultation.
Upcoming events may well redefine the Kwilu’s political landscape. Are the internal tensions of the sacred union the prelude to an electoral revolt where independent candidates could surprise? Only the result of the vote of April 2 will attest it, but one thing is certain: the climate of mistrust and protest could persist beyond the simple elections, questioning the very coherence of a coalition which aspires to dominate the local political scene.
In short, the outcome of the April 2 elections will not be limited only to the one who will be elected governor, but will initiate a broader reflection on the nature of political alliances, respect for democratic processes and the voice of citizens in the electoral process. In a country still looking for stability, each vote will count, not only for Kwilu, but for the future of the entire Congolese political system.