Kinshasa press review for Wednesday, November 8, 2023
In the newspapers published this Wednesday in Kinshasa, a topical subject attracts attention: the trip of the president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Denis Kadima Kazadi, to Seoul, South Korea. This visit aims to closely follow the finalization of the production of electoral materials ordered from the Korean company Miru System.
According to the AS Forum article, Denis Kadima spoke with Miru System managers in order to evaluate the work accomplished in collaboration with the CENI teams. He also visited the company’s central warehouse to check the report of the equipment already ready for shipment to the DRC. The president of the CENI said he was satisfied with what he saw, affirming that the bulk of the task was accomplished and that the material was ready to be distributed.
La Reference Plus relays the statement of Denis Kadima, who affirms that the CENI is working tirelessly to organize the elections at the end of this year. He highlights the logistical capacity of the institution and its experience in the distribution of electoral materials across the country. Denis Kadima insists on the irreversible nature of the elections after each five-year term and calls on the Congolese to prepare to actively participate in them.
La Tempête des Tropiques also takes up the words of Denis Kadima, who welcomes the achievement of the objectives set by the CENI. It highlights the logistical capacity of the institution and its presence across the country thanks to its branches. He also underlines the irreversible nature of the elections and calls on citizens not to be influenced by rumors, but to follow the concrete actions undertaken by the CENI.
At the same time, Congo Nouveau reports different information concerning the Congolese opposition. According to the magazine Jeune Afrique, certain opposition political actors are considering uniting and finding a common candidate to face the outgoing president, Félix Tshisekedi. Discussions are taking place in South Africa to discuss this prospect of a joint candidacy.
In conclusion, Denis Kadima’s visit to Seoul to monitor the production of electoral materials raises hope for the holding of elections scheduled for December 2023 in the DRC. Despite the logistical challenges, the CENI affirms its determination to carry out this electoral process. At the same time, discussions within the opposition seem to indicate a desire to unite to present a common candidate against Félix Tshisekedi.