In the DRC, preparations for the elections scheduled for 2023 are progressing. Make way for the acquisition of electoral material: voter registration kits and voter cards. This step is crucial for the Electoral Commission (Céni) in the context of the constitution of the revised file to be used as a basis for the production of the lists and possibly for the distribution of seats for the legislative elections.
With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
An international call for tenders has been launched. Six companies have been pre-selected and are in the running to win this important contract in a country where the electoral population is estimated at around 50 million voters. The reputation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) is at stake as well as the credibility of the process in the light of accusations of alleged misappropriation of funds during previous elections.
Denis Kadima, President of the Electoral Commission, is aware of this and wants, for example, to fight against fictitious voters. The company that will win the contract must be particularly effective in this area: “ Given the difficulties we have had in the past, there are people whose hands are so damaged that the prints can disappear. And the iris of the eyes will complete the authentication of people. »
Enrollment scheduled for fall
In two weeks, the name of the selected company must be revealed. The registration of voters is scheduled for October. In the meantime, money is also needed for the next steps. ” We have approached the international community through the United Nations, so far nothing has happened. I think we are going to fall back more on the government. There at least it is their direct responsibility, but it is changing. I’m confident that by the time the process picks up momentum, we’ll already have the money we need “, adds Denis Kadima.
For this year 2022, the electoral process needs 624 million dollars. The disbursement is done monthly and so far, the Ceni has only received the equivalent of three monthly installments, that is, the funds for February, March and April.