The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on the brink of significant elections scheduled for December 20, presenting a pivotal moment for the country’s political landscape.
Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi faces a competitive field of challengers in what is anticipated to be a high-stakes electoral contest. This election is crucial for the nation, comprising approximately 44 million eligible voters, nearly half of the population of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest country.
The elections set for December 20 encompass a range of crucial positions, including the presidency, members of the national parliament, regional assemblies across the DRC’s 26 provinces, and local councilors. However, the electoral process faces an array of formidable challenges and complexities, amplified by the DRC’s vast land area of 2.3 million square kilometers and the persisting turmoil in its eastern provinces due to prolonged conflict between the army and rebel militia groups spanning over two decades.
Logistical hurdles loom large as election organizers strive to avoid the chaos that marred the previous presidential contest in 2018. That election was riddled with logistical issues, delays, and allegations of widespread fraud, which undermined its credibility. Despite the turbulence, the 2018 election marked the DRC’s first peaceful transfer of power since independence, with former President Joseph Kabila handing over power to his successor, Felix Tshisekedi, who is now vying for a second term in the upcoming polls.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) faces significant challenges in delivering essential voting materials, most of which have been procured from the Korean company, Miru Systems. The commission’s chairman, Denis Kadima, highlighted that while manufacturing is complete, logistical challenges remain, recalling the destruction of 8,000 voting machines in 2018 due to a warehouse fire. These disruptions led to the closure of over 1,000 polling stations on election day.
Additionally, concerns have emerged regarding voter cards’ delivery delays and printing defects, raising fears of potential fraud. Efforts to update the country’s electoral roll sparked controversy after the removal of three million names by a group of experts, leading to calls for an external audit, which were ultimately dismissed.
Furthermore, rebel violence escalated in the eastern territories, specifically in Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo near the Rwandan border. These clashes prompted the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians, causing significant humanitarian concerns and heightening tensions in the run-up to the elections.
Amidst these challenges, state funding for the elections remains a concern, with the Céni acknowledging a shortfall in the expected funding of $1.1 billion earmarked for the event. The commission reported receiving $800 million thus far.
In summary, the upcoming elections in the DRC are poised to be a critical moment for the country’s political trajectory, yet they are shadowed by logistical complexities, concerns over voter cards and electoral roll, financial shortages, and escalating violence in the eastern regions, all posing formidable challenges to conducting credible and peaceful elections.
