News from the electoral cycle in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: ongoing efforts to ensure inclusiveness and transparency
Posted on August 31, 2023
The United States of America is closely following developments in the electoral cycle in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and commends the continued efforts of all stakeholders to ensure the inclusiveness, transparency, and peacefulness of this crucial democratic process. .
In a recent statement, the United States emphasizes that citizen participation is essential in a democracy and therefore encourages all stakeholders, including state authorities, republican institutions, civil society organizations and political parties, to redouble their efforts to strengthen the confidence of Congolese citizens in the electoral process and encourage broad participation in the elections scheduled for December.
The United States recognizes and appreciates the continued efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to meet its election timeline. In particular, they welcome the successful completion of the registration of candidates for the legislative and local elections. However, they also note persistent challenges in some parts of the country.
In the interest of transparency and accountability, the United States encourages the CENI to make voter lists, budget-related information, and electoral mapping public as soon as possible.
Respect for fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to movement, is an essential pillar of democracies. The United States therefore expresses concern over reports of physical attacks on political figures, harassment of political supporters, politicized legal proceedings, and arbitrary detentions. These acts could compromise the opportunities offered to candidates during the electoral process and erode public confidence in the government’s ability to guarantee free, fair and peaceful elections.
The United States therefore urges the Congolese government to take all necessary steps to ensure fair conditions for all candidates, as well as full respect for legal process and the right to a fair trial for those in detention.
Furthermore, the United States condemns all forms of harassment and marginalization of women candidates. They recall that all stakeholders, whether in opposition, in power or in civil society, have the responsibility to prevent and condemn violence and attacks against women candidates. Moreover, they must reject any incitement to violence and condemn the use of hate speech that fuels divisions during this election period..
As a partner, the United States reaffirms its support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the final months of this election cycle. They underline that the December elections represent a crucial opportunity for the country to consolidate the progress achieved in terms of democracy and to build a more prosperous future for its people.
Sources:
– “Statement by the United States on the electoral cycle in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” – U.S