Presidential candidates challenge Electoral Commission as DRC election approaches

As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gears up for its presidential election on December 20, contenders such as Denis Mukwege, Martin Fayulu, and Theodore Ngoy are taking a stand against the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

Alleging CENI’s failure to ensure the electoral process’s regularity, these candidates are voicing concerns that could impact the nation’s political landscape.

Presidential candidate Theodore Ngoy has spotlighted issues surrounding the legitimacy of voters’ cards, asserting that a staggering 80% of them are rendered illegible due to being printed on thermal paper. Ngoy suggests that deliberate actions might have resulted in voters receiving cards with erasable prints, raising serious questions about the integrity of the upcoming election.

Ngoy expressed skepticism about the transparency of the electoral process, stating, “We’re going to the elections to participate, or if you like, to co-determine a sham that will result in the status quo.” His concerns point towards the possibility of the reappointment of the current president or the installment of a candidate with a tacit agreement, casting shadows over the democratic process.

With 25 candidates vying for the presidency and a month-long campaign in progress, the political climate in the DRC is undeniably tense. The nation, home to almost 100 million people, anticipates a pivotal election where approximately 44 million registered voters will shape the future. Beyond selecting a new president, voters will also decide on tens of thousands of candidates for legislative and local bodies, making this election a crucial juncture for the DRC.