28 11 11 EUrac/AETA – Voting Day in DRC: preliminary observations
However it draw the attention of the national and
international public opinion on the following facts observed both in Kinshasa
and the provinces on the basis of the first observation reports received so far.
Ø The failure of the system with the late opening of a number of polling
stations some of
which only managed to get voting under way between 11h and 13h.
Ø The total or partial absence of election materials
in several polling stations particularly the ballot papers and voting
booths.
Ø Flagrant non respect of voting secrecy in many polling stations
Ø In many cases registered card holding voters
did not appear on the lists and were not allowed to vote despite CENI’s decision
yesterday which clarified that they would be able to vote. This caused
frustration and consequent disorder and dismay.
Ø The setting up of additional satellite polling stations,
some of which unknown by voters requiring in some cases voters to travel long
distances
Ø Failure to ensure protection of the ballot papers with
the consequence that a number of ballot papers were found outside the polling stations, in the possession of
unidentified citizens. In some cases the ballots had already been
completed
Ø Some of these recorded cases have created tensions that
have put national and international observers in danger.
The Joint AETA/EurAc mission inform public
opinion that it will continue to collect and record cases and will communicate
in due time.
Meanwhile it asks:
CENI:
Ø To take all necessary measures against cases of ballot
papers manipulations that has created so much popular frustration and to
clarify the situation to national and international public
opinion.
Ø To take into account these findings and make sure that
the process continues in a transparent and peaceful way.
Agents responsible for security during the
elections:
– To protect voters, witnesses, observers
and candidates.
JOINT AETA – EURAC ELECTORAL OBSERVATION MISSION
For more information:
EurAc
Donatella Rostagno
Coordinator of the electoral observation
mission
Tél : +243 994191779
e-mail : donatella.rostagno@eurac-network.org
AETA
Jerôme Bonso
Secrétaire Permanent
jbonso_linelit@yahoo.fr
Tél:
0999923152
*****************************************
Donatella
Rostagno
Policy Officer
Eurac
165, rue des
Tanneurs
1000 Bruxelles –
Belgique
Tel. +32 2 213 04
00
Fax +32 2 502 21
42
e-mail: donatella.rostagno@eurac-network.org