Title: Awareness campaign for the general elections of December 2023: citizen mobilization and inclusion for democratic elections in the DRC
Introduction :
As the general elections scheduled for December 2023 approach, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) of the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an awareness campaign aimed at informing and training voters. Under the presidency of Denis Kadima, the CENI is committed to guaranteeing maximum voter participation and inclusion of all categories of citizens. In this article, we will examine the challenges of this awareness campaign and the importance of mobilizing the masses for democratic and transparent elections.
Application information:
The CENI recently published the provisional list of candidates declared admissible for the presidential election. Of the 24 applications received, all were deemed compliant and declared admissible. This demonstrates CENI’s commitment not to exclude any candidate who meets the required conditions. Successful candidates will be notified as soon as possible, and complaints and disputes may be submitted to the Constitutional Court.
Voter preparation:
The awareness phase aims to prepare voters to play their role adequately on election day. This includes information on the legal and regulatory provisions relating to electoral operations, as well as on the conduct to be taken in a polling station and in front of the Electronic Voting Device (DEV). The objective is to ensure quality participation and maximum voter mobilization.
Citizen mobilization and inclusion:
The CENI pays particular attention to young people and women, who represent the majority of the electoral population. She calls for the mobilization of partners from civil society, popular associations, religious denominations, women’s and youth organizations, as well as the media, in particular community radios, for maximum voter awareness. It is essential to promote inclusive citizen participation, ensuring that all voices are heard.
Support from financial partners:
CENI also encourages financial partners to support civil society organizations to enable them to raise awareness among voters, both in urban and rural areas. This financial support is crucial to ensure an effective and widespread awareness campaign, thereby enabling informed and informed electoral participation.
Facing logistical challenges:
The CENI announces that its teams are actively working to organize the general elections on schedule. It puts in place all necessary efforts to acquire and transport electoral materials across the country.. Furthermore, it is also taking measures to replace defective voter cards, in order to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.
Conclusion :
The awareness campaign launched by the CENI for the general elections of December 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo is of crucial importance. It aims to mobilize voters and ensure quality citizen participation. By including all categories of citizens and guaranteeing information and training for voters, the CENI strives to create the conditions necessary for transparent and democratic elections. The mobilization of civil society partners and financial support are essential for the success of this awareness campaign. The stakes are high, but the ultimate goal is to ensure free and fair elections, giving Congolese citizens a voice.