EurAc, the network of European NGOs for Central
Africa, participated in the organization of free and transparent elections in
2006 by sending 2 teams of 120 international observers who worked alongside
activists from our Congolese civil society partner associations.

EurAc is convinced that this second electoral cycle,
crucial for consolidating the democratisation process, is no less important than
that of 2006.

EurAc remains convinced that lasting stability in the
Congo requires strengthening the Congolese State, including the instruments
that guarantee rule of law and good governance. In this process, organising elections at different levels is essential.

Emphasising the importance of citizen participation
in the democratization process, EurAc urges the European Union and the State
members to:

1 Accompany the electoral cycle, through
providing dedicated political, technical and financial support, as well as real
pressure to guarantee the democratic nature of the elections. The aim should be
to support the maximum legitimacy for the election results and a strong mandate
for the elected president, based on universal suffrage.

 

2 Mobilise the UN (particularly Monusco) to
participate in the practical organisation and logistics of the elections and
their security.

 

3 Contribute towards awareness-raising efforts
with the electorate, through the support of civil education and electoral
programs, organized by the civil society in partnership with the international
NGO’s.

 

4 Ensure that the electoral cycle is
completed. The local elections are an essential step in building effective
governance in the DRC. The electoral process at decentralized level will be an
important learning process in democracy. Local elections will contribute to the
renewal of politics, as well as too the emergence of a new leadership at the
grassroots.

 

5 Help preserve democratic space, so that
civil society and the independent media can participate and fulfil their
constructive citizen watch-dog roles, monitoring and safeguarding Congo’s
fledgling democracy.

 

6 Put in place a long term observation mission
to monitor the pre-electoral period, the elections themselves at all levels and
the vote counting process. This will help ensure that:

 

a: the process takes place correctly

b: each candidate and each party is able to
present their political programme to the electorate and to run their campaigns.

c: the Congolese people can freely make their
choice and express their will in free and transparent elections.

 

 

Kris Berwouts

Director EurAc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further
details:

Kris
Berwouts

Rue des
Tanneurs, 165 B – 1000 Brussels,
Belgium

Tel: +32
(0)2 213 04 000

@: kris.berwouts@eurac-network.org

www.eurac-network.org