In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is completing a mission on October 20 to assess the pre-electoral framework in the DRC, with a view to the presidential, legislative and provincial deputy elections. and municipal councilors. The SADC is in fact supposed to deploy electoral observers for these elections, scheduled for December 20, 2023. Explanations.
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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
The Electoral Advisory Council of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) closes its mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on October 20, 2023.
During this mission of approximately one week, the delegation held meetings with all parties involved in the electoral process, in particular political groups and key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni).
This mission marks the prelude to the imminent deployment of SADC electoral observers in preparation for the general elections scheduled for December 20, 2023.
Around 50 SADC observers are expected
Indeed, since July 2023, the DRC had officially requested the deployment of a SADC electoral mission on its territory. The current delegation’s main objective is to assess the country’s pre-electoral framework.
During her stay in Kinshasa, she essentially pursued three major objectives. First of all, she wanted to ensure that the political and security environment is favorable to the holding of credible and peaceful elections. She also closely examined the legal framework which governs the organization of these elections. Finally, the mission assessed the preparation of the CENI with a view to holding these elections.
The various stakeholders had the opportunity to submit their observations. The opposition has notably expressed concerns regarding the inclusive nature of the electoral process, as well as outstanding questions related to the financing and logistics of these elections.
The final report of this mission should be finalized by mid-November. Around 50 SADC observers are expected.
Relations between SADC and the DRC have further strengthened in recent weeks.
Two weeks earlier, President Félix Tshisekedi had met the president of the SADC Group of Elders, Doctor Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former president of the United Republic of Tanzania.