Why the maintenance of the electoral calendar in the DRC is debated
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently immersed in a period of political turbulence marked by consultations initiated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). These consultations aim to find solutions for a more inclusive electoral process, which led CENI President Denis Kadima to wish to meet former President Joseph Kabila. However, this step was not well received by the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), Kabila’s party, which decided not to participate in the elections under the current conditions.
The PPRD disputes the legitimacy of Kadima to conduct such consultations and considers this correspondence to be null and void. According to Ferdinand Kambere, deputy permanent secretary of the PPRD, it is up to the coordinator of the Common Front for Congo (FCC), Raymond Tshibanda, to answer such questions. He even considers this approach as a humiliation and recalls the prerequisites of the FCC to participate in the elections, in particular the recomposition of the CENI and the Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, the electoral train continues to roll despite the security and financial risks mentioned by the CENI. The offices for receiving and processing applications remain open and continue to receive files for national deputies. These operations are part of the 2023-2024 electoral calendar, which includes several stages such as the constitution of the electoral register, the organization of direct and indirect elections, and the election of governors and senators.
Maintaining the electoral calendar has sparked debate in the country. While some argue that the holding of elections is essential to ensure the legitimacy of political representatives, others express concern about the lack of consensus and transparency in the electoral process.
At the same time, the security situation in the DRC remains worrying, with acts of violence and risks of instability in certain regions of the country. Political tensions and disagreements between different political actors further exacerbate this situation.
Faced with these challenges, it is essential to find a solution that allows the DRC to conduct inclusive, transparent and peaceful elections. It is also important that all stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue and seek common responses to overcome the different challenges facing the country.
In conclusion, the maintenance of the electoral calendar in the DRC is debated. The consultations initiated by the CENI and the desired meeting with Joseph Kabila arouse various reactions. In a tense political context and a fragile security situation, it is crucial to find consensual solutions to guarantee credible elections and ease tensions in the country.