Congo-Kinshasa: Bas Congo - the IEC Reviews Its Activities And Sensitises Political Parties

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United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)

18 June 2008
Posted to the web 18 June 2008

Biliaminou Alao

MONUC Matadi's electoral division supported the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) provincial office for the organisation of a meeting on Tuesday 18 June 2008, to sensitise and make contact with the heads of local political parties. The electoral process in the DRC was reviewed, as well the preparations for the next elections. The political parties code of conduct and other factors essential for a good election were also discussed.

Local, urban and municipal elections

In order to complete the electoral process in the DRC, the local, urban and municipal elections must be organised in accordance with the electoral law. The IEC with MONUC's support continues to work to prepare these elections, which will allow a true participation of citizens who will vote for the mangers of their cities, towns and villages.

The DRC local, urban and municipal elections will be organised with direct and indirect polls, and will require logistics for the installation of approximately 6,039 electoral constituencies and approximately 371 districts (365 groupings and 6 communes) in Bas Congo.

The direct poll will make it possible to elect sector and city council counselors, while the indirect poll will make it possible to elect urban counselors and burgomasters selected by municipal counselors, and mayors and their assistants chosen by urban counselors.

Preconditions

For the holding of these elections, it is necessary that a structure is given the responsibility to prepare the process. This is why the Supreme Court prolonged the IEC's mandate until its replacement, the CENI, is installed.

There remains also the adoption of the laws on decentralization, as well as the validation of the electoral rolls to relocate each voter in their voting localities.

Activities already undertaken in Bas Congo

The IEC with the support of MONUC inventoried, recovered and tested the electoral kits, motor vehicles, bicycles, generators, laptops, telephones and other election equipment for verification, and to take the necessary action for possible repairs and purchases.

Also, a pilot validation operation of the electoral lists was carried out to harmonise the administrative entity lists.

Sensitization for good elections

Relevant Links Central Africa Congo-Kinshasa

The 2006 presidential and legislative polls in Bas Congo were characterized by low voter registration, weak voter participation, weak representation of women and political violence.

Thus the IEC president realised that it's absolutely necessary that the political parties play their part by respecting the code of conduct, and by beginning as soon as possible to sensitise their hard core elements on reneging violence and respecting the election process as responsible citizens.

The IEC has promised other sensitisation meetings with political party representatives in the province.

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Jean-Louis Kayitenkore
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