Title: Opposition in the DRC: the challenge of recomposing the electoral system
Introduction :
The Congolese opposition faces a double challenge in its fight against Félix Tshisekedi in the December 2023 presidential election. While Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, Augustin Matata Ponyo and Delly Sesanga Hipungu Dja Kaseng emphasize the recomposition of the system election, Martin Fayulu and Adolphe Muzito focus on the truth of the ballot box. In a memorandum, the first three opposition leaders call for deep reforms of the electoral architecture in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A controversial electoral process:
According to Katumbi, Matata and Sesanga, the electoral process in the DRC is marred by numerous deviations. They criticize in particular the adoption of the Electoral Law without respect for the law and the contested composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). They point out that the CENI president, who comes from the same political and ethnic background as other key officials, creates a climate of partiality and terror for the opposition. Moreover, the institutions in charge of organizing the elections are politicized and tribalized, which compromises their impartiality.
Financial challenges and a lack of transparency:
In addition to the structural problems, the opposition points the finger at the question of the financing of electoral operations. While the government claims to release all the necessary means, the CENI regularly recalls the financial constraints that threaten the smooth running of the process. Opponents demand more transparency in the use of resources to avoid last minute surprises. Moreover, the voter identification and registration operation took place in complete opacity, leaving many questions unanswered.
The way to the recomposition of the electoral system:
Based on these observations, Katumbi, Matata and Sesanga demand a global overhaul of the electoral architecture in the DRC. They call for the revision of the Electoral Law, the recomposition of the CENI and the depoliticization of the institutions responsible for organizing the elections. They plead for the establishment of a tripartite consultation framework between the authorities, the opposition and civil society to regularly supervise the electoral process.
Conclusion :
The Congolese opposition faces a double challenge in its fight to beat Félix Tshisekedi in the December 2023 presidential election. While some are focused on rebuilding the electoral system, others insist on the need to obtain the truth from the ballot box. Be that as it may, it is essential to set up an electoral process that is transparent, impartial and free from any political manipulation. Only thus can we guarantee the legitimacy and stability of the future president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo