Securing Candidates and the Electoral Process: A State Responsibility
In the tense political context of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the question of securing candidates and the electoral process is crucial. Faced with the recent incidents that marred the arrival of national deputy and presidential candidate Delly Sesanga in Kananga, some opposition leaders and candidates requested special security measures from the United Nations Organization Mission for the stabilization in the DRC (Monusco). However, the Head of Monusco, Bintou Keita, recalled that securing the candidates and the electoral process is above all the responsibility of the State.
In a statement, Bintou Keita said that Monusco had responded to this request by emphasizing that securing candidates and the electoral process was a primary responsibility of the state. However, she also pointed out that there is an appropriate framework to discuss this issue, namely the support committee for the electoral process headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Security.
This committee, which brings together various components, including Monusco, the police and the Electoral Council, can make specific recommendations to ensure the security of all candidates. Bintou Keita also added that it was necessary to take into account a particular approach to ensure the security of candidates in this sensitive electoral context.
The demands of presidential candidates, such as Moïse Katumbi and Matata Ponyo, as well as the reactions to recent incidents, testify to the growing security concerns during the electoral process in the DRC. It is becoming essential to guarantee a secure and serene environment for all parties, in order to promote free and fair elections.
The security of candidates and of the electoral process is a major issue that requires close collaboration between the State and international actors, in order to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process in the DRC. It is up to the Congolese State to take the necessary measures to guarantee the protection of candidates, while ensuring that international standards in terms of human rights and democracy are respected.
In conclusion, securing candidates and the electoral process in the DRC is primarily the responsibility of the State, but collaboration with international actors such as Monusco can be beneficial in formulating specific recommendations