Title: “The framework for consultations between the CENI and the President of the Republic candidates: towards a postponement of the elections in the DRC?”
Introduction :
Monday, November 13, 2023 marks the start of the consultation framework between the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and the candidates for President of the Republic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While the date of the presidential elections is set for December 20, 2023, persistent rumors cast doubt on whether the vote will take place on this date. What will Denis Kadima, president of the CENI, announce to the candidates and what will be the consequences on the electoral process?
The suspense grows:
The announcement of this consultation framework by the CENI added additional suspense to the excitement reigning in the preparations for the elections. The rumor that the elections could be postponed is already circulating on social networks, raising questions and concerns among the Congolese population. The declaration of the former president of the CENI, Corneille Nangaa, confirming that there will be no elections on December 20, further reinforces the doubt about the holding of the vote.
Logistical challenges:
If we rely on the reality on the ground, several logistical challenges arise in terms of holding the elections on the scheduled date. The electoral kits have not yet been deployed in all electoral constituencies in the country, including abroad where Congolese in the diaspora must vote. In addition, the transport of these kits poses a serious problem, particularly due to the difficulties of air transport and the lack of aircraft from the national aviation company Congo Airways.
A decisive consultation framework:
This consultation framework therefore appears to be an opportunity for the CENI to communicate to the President of the Republic candidates the constraints it faces and to discuss a possible postponement of the elections. Some remain optimistic about the holding of the vote on December 20, while others fear a further shift in the electoral calendar.
Conclusion :
The framework for consultations between the CENI and the candidates for President of the Republic in the DRC raises many questions regarding the holding of elections on December 20, 2023. Faced with logistical challenges and persistent rumors, Denis Kadima’s announcement during this meeting will be decisive. The Congolese people are impatiently awaiting the next news to know if the electoral calendar will be maintained or if it will undergo further adjustments.