The DRC’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) President Dénis Kadima Kazadi says the commission will for the first time in the political history of the nation hold a much improved and all inclusive election ahead of the 20 December Presidential Elections.
Following electoral processes marred by several irregularities and violence in the 2015 and 2018 polls, Kadima has embarked on a “rebranding” tour of the United States of America to reiterate the commission’s determination to oversee a free and fair election this December.
Speaking in an interview with Reuters in Washington DC, Kadima said CENI is aiming to clear the bad name it had made for itself in the past.
“CENI has a very bad reputation. The 2011 elections, followed by the 2018 elections, have left many people so disappointed with the institution,” said Kadima.
“It will be an improved process – in terms of inclusiveness first of all.”
Kadima who was appointed as head of the electoral commission in 2021, has expressed confidence that appointed to monitor the elections would play a major role in ensuring an inclusive electoral process in delivered.
He revealed that observers from groups including the U.S.-funded Carter Center and the European Union were expected to monitor the elections.
Two months before highly-anticipated December polls, the political arena in the DRC has already been tense with the opposition faced with a number of injustices inflicted by incumbent President Fèlix Tshisekedi’s government.
During his meeting with US officials in Washington on Tuesday, Kadima was encouraged to see to it that every eligible Congolese is able to confirm their voter registration, correct any mistakes, and ultimately participate at each step of the electoral process.
