22 12 11 European Union: Declaration by the High Representative of the EU, on behalf of the EU, on the definitive results of the presidential elections in the DRC and the continuation of the current electoral process

The EU would first of all like to pay tribute to the
Congolese people, large numbers of whom went to the polls peacefully. In this
context, the EU reiterates its concern at the serious shortcomings and lack of
transparency in the compilation and publication of the results reported by,
amongst others, the EU Election Observation Mission, which affect confidence in
the electoral process. The EU will re-evaluate its support for the next stages
in the Congolese democratic process.

It is now important that lessons should be learned
without delay and that the results of the parliamentary elections should be
compiled in such a way that transparency and credibility are guaranteed. The EU
urges the CENI and the Congolese authorities to take the concerns of the
observer missions into account, to implement their recommendations and to be
open to co-operation with the opposition.

It calls on all political forces to keep the peace. All
violent action must be banned, while preserving the legitimate right to freedom
of expression. Political dialogue is an indispensable means of achieving this
objective.

The EU calls for light to be shed on the alleged human
rights violations reported in the context of the elections, and, where
appropriate, for those responsible to be brought to justice. It reiterates that
it is the primary responsibility of the Congolese authorities to ensure the
security of citizens.