The ongoing electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a crucial step in the country’s democracy. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) recently reaffirmed its commitment to successfully conduct the elections of burgomasters, mayors and urban councilors despite some financial difficulties.
Denis Kadima Kazadi, President of the CENI, stressed the importance of having the necessary resources to ensure the smooth running of these elections. He stressed that the organization of these polls does not depend solely on the CENI, but also involves the cooperation of several actors, including the government for financing, the security forces to ensure stability during the electoral process, as well as other stakeholders.
The recent election of communal councilors was a positive first step in the Congolese democratic process, but it is crucial that the elections of burgomasters, mayors and urban councilors can also take place to complete the electoral cycle. The results obtained in previous elections demonstrate the capacity of the CENI and its partners to organize transparent and accountable elections.
The publication of the calendar for the holding of elections for burgomasters, mayors and urban councilors was an important first step, but the implementation of this calendar remains a challenge. The absence of elections in some regions has hampered the proper functioning of local authorities and has repercussions on the entire electoral process, including the election of governors, senators and members of provincial assemblies.
It is essential that all stakeholders work together to overcome financial and logistical obstacles and ensure the success of the next elections. Political stability and the legitimacy of elected institutions depend on it, and it is through the collaboration and commitment of all that democracy can fully flourish in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is only through unity and cooperation that the Congolese people will be able to fully exercise their democratic right to choose their local and national representatives, and it is by respecting the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability that citizens’ confidence can be fully restored in the country’s electoral process.