The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo recently made an important decision regarding the management of candidacies for the elections. In a press release, the CENI announced the formal ban on the presence of agents of the Ministry of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs in the offices for the reception and processing of applications (BRTC).
This decision is based on articles 211 of the Congolese Constitution and article 7 of the organic law governing the functioning and organization of the CENI. These articles guarantee the independence of the CENI as a democracy support body and prohibit any interference by other institutions in the management of electoral operations.
The CENI also emphasizes collaboration with other institutions of the Republic, while emphasizing that it does not tolerate their interference in electoral processes. Thus, only agents of the General Directorate of Administrative, Judicial, State and Participation Revenue (DGRAD) are authorized to be present in the BRTCs. Their role is limited to delivering the collection note to candidates wishing to pay the costs of submitting applications on behalf of the public treasury.
The electoral commission also reminds candidates and political parties that the period for submitting and processing applications for the election of national deputies is strict, running from June 26 to July 15, 2023. No extension will be granted, which underlines the importance of meeting deadlines.
This decision by the CENI marks a clear desire to preserve its independence and guarantee a transparent and fair electoral process. It strengthens the confidence of political actors and the population in the integrity of the upcoming elections.
This is an interesting development for democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, showing that institutions are actively working to strengthen democratic standards and promote free and fair elections. It will be important to follow closely the evolution of the electoral situation in the country and to see how this decision will affect the course of the electoral process.