Inadmissible request: The presidential election of December 20, 2023 confirmed by the Constitutional Court.
In a decision rendered on January 8, 2024, the Constitutional Court declared inadmissible the application filed by Mr. Eetshe Mpala David, contesting the presidential election of December 20, 2023. This decision was motivated by the lack of quality of the applicant, who did not was not a candidate in the election whose results he contests, as well as by the prematureness of his introduction, filed before the end of the deadline to contest the provisional results.
At the hearing, the applicant had to face unanimous opposition. Candidate Félix Tshisekedi’s lawyers, experts from the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the public prosecutor all argued that the request was inadmissible due to the lack of quality of its signatory.
This decision by the Constitutional Court confirms the presidential election of December 20, 2023 and strengthens the legitimacy of the current president, Félix Tshisekedi. However, it also raises questions about respect for legal procedures and fairness in the electoral process.
The presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a major issue for the country’s democracy and stability. It is crucial that procedures are followed rigorously and transparently, to ensure citizens’ confidence in the final result. This decision by the Constitutional Court highlights the importance of compliance with electoral rules and raises questions about how electoral disputes are handled.
It is essential that all political actors and relevant institutions work together to strengthen the electoral process and ensure its credibility. Transparency, impartiality and respect for the rights of all candidates are key elements in maintaining citizens’ confidence in the democratic system.
It remains to be seen what consequences this decision of the Constitutional Court will have on political stability and citizens’ confidence in the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The political future of the country will largely depend on how these issues are addressed and resolved.