The Congolese are called to elect their president, their provincial and national deputies and municipal councilors on December 20. The candidates are already campaigning and civil society is calling for more transparency. Resignation of candidates holding public office, declaration of income and tax situation of candidates… Recommendations from civil society are increasing.
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The objective of civil society organizations is to avoid the illicit enrichment of future elected officials, the use of state funds for the campaign, or even conflicts of interest.
The organization Congo is not for sale recommends, for example, the declaration of income of presidential candidates. “ No one wants citizens to know where they got their money, how they became rich, how they were able to each pay $65,000 to be a candidate, where their campaign funds came from and especially for the ministers, for the outgoing president, for the public officials on what basis they invest as many millions as they have foundsays the spokesperson for Congo is not for sale, Jean-Claude Mputu. So, we can easily see that they are not very receptive to our calls for transparency. »
The candidates assure that they comply with the law
Financial transparency is an issue raised by the different parties. At the house of the candidate Moïse Katumbi for example, we assure that we will comply with the law, that is to say a declaration of assets to the Constitutional Court if the candidate is elected. “ We know that civil society is very keen on this. I believe it is necessary for the Republicdeclares Christian Mwando, spokesperson for Moïse Katumbi’s party, Ensemble pour la République. In our program, we decided to set up an ethics committee at the national level which will be responsible for monitoring the assets of public figures. This is in the Together for the Republic program provided for in the institutional reforms. »
On the side of candidate Tshisekedi, its spokesperson assures that he also relies on the law, which does not require a declaration of assets or prior tax situation. He also highlights “ efforts and progress » carried out during the presidential term on issues of the fight against corruption and for good governance. A report contested by the opposition.
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