As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) gears up for its pivotal presidential election on 20th December, a number of candidates, including Denis Mukwege, Martin Fayulu, and Theodore Ngoy, have unveiled their plans to contest the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) over its alleged failure to ensure the smooth running of the electoral process.

Presidential candidate Theodore Ngoy has voiced apprehensions regarding the validity of the voters’ cards, asserting that a staggering 80% of them are unreadable due to being printed on thermal paper. He insinuated that voters have been issued with deliberately erasable cards, raising serious doubts about the fairness and credibility of the election process.

“We’re going to the elections to participate, or if you like, to co-determine a sham that will result in the status quo, meaning the reappointment of the outgoing president of the republic or else the appointment of someone who will have a tacit agreement with him,” Ngoy boldly proclaimed, casting skepticism on the transparency of the electoral process.

With 25 candidates vying for the presidency and a month-long election campaign in full swing, the political atmosphere in the DRC remains charged. This vast country, home to nearly 100 million people, is on the brink of a historic election where approximately 44 million registered voters are poised to exercise their voting rights. Apart from electing a new president, voters will also make choices for tens of thousands of candidates contending for legislative and local positions.

By Hauwa M.