Fire at the CENI warehouse in Bukavu: Impact on the electoral calendar
In an official statement issued this weekend, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced that the fire at its warehouse in Bukavu will have no impact on the electoral calendar in the province. Despite the destruction of 936 voting machines and other equipment, the CENI remains confident that the elections of provincial deputies and municipal councilors will continue.
The CENI, however, stressed the importance of conducting a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the fire and establish responsibilities. Gaudens Maheshe, provincial executive secretary of the CENI in South Kivu, specified that 300 voting machines could be saved and will be used in the offices of the CENI in Bukavu and in certain territories.
Despite this unfortunate incident, the CENI maintains its commitment to respect the electoral calendar and assures that the opening of the offices for the reception and processing of applications will take place as planned from August 3 throughout the country.
However, this incident raises questions about the safety and reliability of voting machines. Criticisms of the use of these machines in the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo have already been voiced, and this fire only increases doubts and concerns.
Pending the results of the investigation, it is important to think about safer and more transparent alternatives for the elections in the DRC. Voters’ trust must be restored, and this requires enhanced security measures and the use of reliable and tamper-resistant technologies.
In conclusion, the fire at the CENI warehouse in Bukavu should not disrupt the electoral calendar. However, he raises questions about the security of voting machines and calls for more reliable measures to be put in place to ensure transparent elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo