** Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a fateful process under the fires of criticism **
On April 8, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) found itself at the heart of a political storm, with the publication of the electoral roadmap by Denis Kadima, the president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). By fixing the presidential elections in December 2028, the CENI aroused a shock wave within civil society and political actors. This press release draws attention to the complex and tense context of the country, which raises crucial questions about the DRC’s ability to organize transparent and peaceful elections.
### An exasperating socio-political context
The alert pushed by the civil society platform, to act for transparent and peaceful elections (AETA), highlights the considerable challenges that the CENI faces. While the roadmap aspires to an electoral process of five years, civil society experts emphasize that the current dynamics reflect a chaotic situation on the ground.
** Political and security instability **
The political climate in the DRC is marked by interethnic tensions and power struggles that the country is struggling to manage. In a context of violent armed conflicts, especially in the east of the country, the question of securing polling stations becomes preponderant. Indeed, a report by the International Study Group on Conflicts (GEIC) has revealed that over the past five years, more than 30 % of the populations of the provinces concerned are constantly on the move, making electoral organization in these dangerous, if not impracticable areas.
** Transparency and management of CENI **
The calls to audit the management of the CENI, expressed by AETA, echo legitimate concerns. An analysis of the annual reports of the CENI shows that tensions on transparency have reached a critical point; In 2024, almost 45 % of Congolese expressed their distrust of the electoral process, largely deanery to allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
### A roadmap, but at what price?
Faced with growing awareness, Aeta has issued essential recommendations: initiating parliamentary debates, auditing the CENI and establishing electoral consensus. This last point is crucial; He called on collaboration between political parties, civil society and committed actors, a process that could prove to be long and chaotic when approaching already pushed elections.
** Consensus, a major challenge **
The recent history of the country teaches us that architectural consensus between the various political actors are a challenge. The New Years Eve agreement in 2016, which aimed to guarantee transparent elections, did not lead to a peaceful climate and, on the contrary, generated bloody demonstrations. The creation of an electoral consensus must therefore be approached with caution and pragmatism, taking into account the lessons of the past.
### Towards a reinforced civic education
In a context where citizens often feel disengaged from the political process, Aeta also calls for a revival of civic education. This advocacy is fundamental to strengthen democratic culture in the DRC. Studies show that an educated electorate is less likely to fall into the trap of political manipulation. Indeed, the nations which invest in civic education campaigns see increased electoral participation, a beneficial dynamic in a fragile democratic context.
### Conclusion: a glimmer of hope in the midst of uncertainty
While the DRC sails through this political storm, the challenges remain immense. An effective and transparent electoral process requires not only a firm commitment on the part of political bodies, but also a reinforced civic involvement of citizens. The road to the 2028 elections is dotted with pitfalls, but it could also represent an opportunity to restore confidence between the governors and the governed. Ultimately, the DRC must not only consider a return to the polls, but also build an electoral system which is the pride of its citizens and which is not the scene of new conflicts. This is a fundamental issue for the democratic future of the nation.