United States Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Lucy Tamlyn today met Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) president Denis Kadima and urged him to ensure that the country produces an election that will resonate the will of the people.
Dans mon premier entretien avec @dkadimaofficiel, président de la @cenirdc, nous avons discuté comment assurer la participation large et inclusive dans les élections et les attentes du peuple congolais pour des élections libres, équitables et fait dans les délais. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/eEa2QztyYP
— Ambassadeur Lucy Tamlyn (@USAmbDRC) February 24, 2023
There are complaints of widespread fraud to favour incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi as CENI conducts voter registration ahead of the December 20, 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections.
But CENI has responded with instances of sacking those linked to electoral malpractices although the opposition insists that the process is tailored to favour the incumbent with more voters being registered in Kasai region which is the strong hold of President Tshisekedi.
Ambassador Tamlyn says the United States supports the right of citizens to freely elect their leaders without interference or interference.
“In my first interview with @dkadimaofficiel, president of @cenirdc, we discussed how to ensure broad and inclusive participation in elections and the expectations of the Congolese people for free, fair and timely elections,” she said.
AUDIENCE | Le Président @dkadimaofficiel a échangé, ce jour, avec Mme Lucy TAMLYN @USAmbDRC sur les enjeux et les défis des élections de 2023. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/4k8AvAO935
— Ceni-RDC (@cenirdc) February 24, 2023
President Tshisekedi is running for a second term. He faces strong challenge from popular opposition leader Moise Katumbi, Martin Fayulu and Augustin Matata Ponyo, among others.
