2023-10-16
A call for a public debate between candidates for the presidential election in the DRC
Floribert Anzuluni, candidate for the presidential election scheduled for December 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, launched a call for the organization of a public debate between all the presidential candidates. In letters addressed to its future competitors, to public and private media, as well as to the Center for Studies for Social Action (CEPAS), Anzuluni proposes that this debate be regulated by the Higher Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC).
This proposal follows the experience of citizen primaries organized by the civil society platform, Alternative for a New Congo, of which Anzuluni is the candidate. These primaries aroused keen interest among the Congolese population by placing the political debate around ideas at the center of political life.
Anzuluni believes that this citizen debate would not only allow the social projects of the candidates to be discussed, but also to promote the civic education of the population and promote a culture of political debate based on ideas. He also underlines that this proposal is part of the desire for a transparent and informed electoral campaign, allowing the Congolese to make an informed decision during the presidential elections.
This initiative recalls the similar call launched by CEPAS in 2018, which was unfortunately unsuccessful. However, Anzuluni hopes that this time, political actors as well as the media will mobilize to offer the Congolese population the opportunity to better understand the visions of each candidate and make an informed choice during the presidential elections.
By promoting a public debate between candidates, Anzuluni highlights the importance of transparency and the exchange of ideas in a democracy. The organization of such a debate could help to strengthen the democratic process in the DRC and allow citizens to actively participate in the political life of their country.