19.12.18 Congo Research Group publiceert derde rapport over verkiezingsproces

On the eve of these elections, the state apparatus is largely dominated by the ruling coalition, which has used it to hamper the campaigns of the opposition and to support its own candidates. Several leading opposition figures have been excluded from the presidential race and security forces continue to clamp down on opposition rallies, often using deadly violence. The state media almost exclusively cover the appearances of Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, Joseph Kabila's chosen successor, and openly denigrate his rivals.

Despite the challenges and constraints, only three of the seven international observer missions present in 2006 will be deployed. These are the missions of the African Union and two subregional organizations (SADC and ECCAS), who have been less critical of previous elections than their western counterparts. Most of the electoral observation will be conducted by the national election observation missions, who have already faced impediments to mobilizing.

The last four years have shown that there is no longer a red line for the international community in the Congo, except perhaps for the third term and the holding of elections. Many diplomats today are convinced that, whatever the quality of the elections, they will not be able to question these results. In the end, the Congolese population will remain the final arbiter of the results.

Beyond the security stakes, the foundations of Congolese democracy are at risk. Since the end of the war, the country has created an array of democratic institutions, both at the provincial and national level. But these have not be able to reform the state to promote the needs of the majority of the population. These elections could render the state more responsible, less abusive and more concerned about its population. The failure of this electoral process, in contrast, could erode these institutions and undermine Congolese confidence in a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Lees de rapporten:

http://congoresearchgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CRG_Final_high-res.pdf
http://congoresearchgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CRG_Note-2_ElectionsRDC_Imbroglios-techniques-2.pdf
http://congoresearchgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CRG_Report_3_Final_version.pdf

Bron: persbericht Congo Research Group, 19.12.18