Joint declaration of the international partners of the DRC relating to the designation of all the members of the CENI

Joint statement by Belgium, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Spain, United States, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, from the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the European Union Following the speech by the President of the Republic of October 22, 2021 in connection with the appointment of all CENI members.

Following the speech by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of October 22, 2021, the partners have in a joint declaration reiterated the principles set out in their joint declaration of April 27, 2021 welcoming the inauguration of the new Congolese government. They reaffirmed their attachment to the shared principles of transparency, freedom, inclusiveness, impartiality and credibility of the upcoming elections, essential to the consolidation of democracy and stability in the DRC.

Regarding the appointment of all the members of the CENI, they noted with regret that the stakeholders did not reach a consensus, which is an important element in building confidence in the electoral process in to come.

They therefore called on the competent authorities to seek the support of all relevant actors, including political parties and civil society, in the electoral process and to strengthen their confidence in it.

To this end, according to them, the next crucial steps will include the revision of the electoral law, which should strengthen the mechanisms of control and transparency, the effective launch of the process of identification and registration of voters, as well as the establishment an appropriate budget and an electoral calendar respecting the constitutional deadlines.

They encouraged the CENI to strengthen its accountability and all relevant stakeholders to consult together, in order to ensure the credibility and smooth running of future elections.

They reaffirmed their support to the Congolese Government for the organization of transparent, free and inclusive elections within the deadlines provided for by the Constitution and welcomed the wish expressed by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, concerning international electoral observation and are studying how to respond to his invitation to support the electoral process.

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor