Title: “Vital Kamerhe and the UNC designate Felix Tshisekedi as their presidential candidate for December 2023”
Introduction :
The mini congress of the Congolese National Union, UNC, was held on Saturday August 19, 2023 in Kinshasa, marking a milestone in Congolese politics. During this event, the members of the UNC confirmed their confidence in Vital Kamerhe as president of the party and also nominated Félix Tshisekedi as their candidate for the presidential election of December 2023. This decision reinforces the support already expressed by several other parties of the Sacred Union.
A strategic choice:
The UNC’s decision to back Félix Tshisekedi as a presidential candidate was not made on a whim. Vital Kamerhe underlined that the UNC had never been in the wrong fight and that it was important to distinguish personal ambitions from the destiny of the group. By reiterating their support for Tshisekedi, the UNC demonstrates its belief that the incumbent president has achieved a positive record, while stressing that there are still challenges to be met.
A winning ticket:
According to Billy Kamba, secretary general of the UNC, Felix Tshisekedi is their “winning ticket”, referring to Tshisekedi’s previous electoral success in 2018. This choice is supported by the whole party, with members such as Amato Bayubasire, UNC MP, saying President Tshisekedi deserves a second term to continue his achievements and achieve his goals.
The support of the Sacred Union:
It should be noted that this decision by the UNC comes on top of that of other parties of the Sacred Union, such as the AFDC-A, the CNC and the UDPS, which have already designated Félix Tshisekedi as their presidential candidate. This alliance shows the will of the different parties of the Sacred Union to unite behind a common candidate to face the opposition in the next elections.
Conclusion :
The UNC mini-congress marked a decisive turning point in the Congolese political landscape, with the confirmation of Vital Kamerhe as party president and the nomination of Felix Tshisekedi as presidential candidate. This decision reinforces the support already expressed by other parties of the Sacred Union, thus creating a united front to face the opposition in the next elections