Title: The clash between Tshisekedi and Nangaa over electoral arrangements in the DRC
Introduction :
The political scene in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is shaken by a clash between President Félix Tshisekedi and the former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni), Corneille Nangaa. The latter claims that fraudulent electoral arrangements took place during the 2018 presidential election, a statement hotly contested by the Congolese head of state. This confrontation raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and political issues in the DRC.
The context of the statements:
At a press conference in New York, President Tshisekedi said there were never any fraudulent deals during the 2018 presidential election. He rejected Nangaa’s accusations, saying he had simply lied. In response, Nangaa published a press release to reaffirm the existence of a political agreement, signed by Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila, and validated by three African heads of state. He maintains that this agreement allowed a peaceful transfer of power in the DRC.
The implications of this confrontation:
Nangaa’s statement calls into question the impartiality of the CENI during the 2018 presidential election, which was criticized by many observers. If a political pact really existed, it would call into question the credibility of the electoral process and raise questions about the independence of the CENI. Some experts say this may require an investigation to shed light on these allegations.
The reaction of Tshisekedi and his party:
Déo Bizibu Balola, deputy secretary general of the presidential party UDPS, rejected Nangaa’s accusations as “nonsense”. He claims that these statements come from people accustomed to the governance of the old regime. President Tshisekedi has reshuffled the cards by replacing key positions in the government, army and judiciary, which could indicate that the political agreement has long been broken.
Conclusion :
The clash between Tshisekedi and Nangaa over electoral arrangements in the DRC highlights political tensions and issues linked to the democratic process in the country. Nangaa’s accusations call into question the integrity of the 2018 electoral process and raise concerns about the impartiality of the CENI. It is essential to investigate these allegations to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral system in the DRC.