### Kinshasa: plea for women elected for local elections in the DRC
On May 23, 2025, in Kinshasa, the association of women elected municipal councilors of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FECC-DC) held a plea before President Félix Tshisekedi. This discourse, carried by women who already occupy positions of responsibility in the municipal councils, aims to draw attention to a subject of crucial importance: the organization of the elections of bourgmestres and assistant mayor, a decisive step in the process of decentralization in progress in the country.
### context of decentralization in DRC
Decentralization in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been established to promote governance closer to citizens, strengthen the autonomy of territorial entities and guarantee a better distribution of resources. Organic law n ° 08/016 of October 7, 2008 establishes the legal foundations necessary for the composition and functioning of decentralized territorial entities. Despite the installation of the municipal councils, blocking in the organization of indirect elections of bourgmestres and deputy mayors remains a significant obstacle to the application of this law.
The FECC-DRC stresses that the establishment of executive colleges within the municipalities is essential not only for compliance with legal provisions, but also to allow municipal councils to fully exercise their prerogatives, including the control of the local executive and the accountability of the accounts.
### Late and obstacles to the organization of elections
The delay in the organization of these elections aroused legitimate questions about the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to carry out this process. Indeed, the CENI indicated that this delay is dependent on the availability of financial resources by the government. This response raised concerns, especially in contrast to the Prime Minister’s announcement of an US $ 59 million disbursement to support the CENI in its electoral tasks.
The situation becomes all the more worrying with regard to the fact that, so far, only the elections in the constituencies of Yumbi and Mai-Ndombe have been organized. On the one hand, this raises questions concerning equity and equal opportunities in the organization of the elections. On the other hand, this related to a fragmentation of the electoral processes which could contribute to tensions at the local level.
### Analysis of implications
The absence of bourgmestres and deputy mayors during this extended transition period can lead to stagnation in the implementation of local public policies. Local communities, already weakened by limited resources, can observe a drop in citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions if they are not equipped with clearly elected and responsible leaders.
This situation could also worsen the perception that electoral processes in the DRC are tainted by administrative slowness and shortcomings of preparation. In addition, the latent anxiety of women elected to the idea that their voice and their leadership can be even more marginalized in this context underlines the importance of increased attention to female representation in political bodies.
### to a more enlightened future?
It is essential that the CENI, in collaboration with the government and civil actors, sets up a concrete action plan to ensure the rapid holding of these elections. Transparency, efficient planning and resource mobilization are key elements to overcome this obstacle. The advocacy of the FECC-DRC reminds us that the elections should not be considered as a simple formality, but as a vital element of democratic life and governance in the DRC.
The question remains: how to guarantee that the interests of citizens are truly taken into account in this process? Perhaps it would be beneficial to establish inclusive dialogues between the different parties involved, including women, to ensure that decisions meet the expectations of the population.
In conclusion, the challenge that presents itself to the DRC is complex, but the will expressed by the Association of Women Elected Municipal Advisors could be the vector of a positive change. By initiating dialogue and calling for responsibility, it is possible to remain faithful to the ideals of decentralization and to use this period as an opportunity to strengthen local democracy.