In support of elections based on mass citizen participation in Congo
- Detalles
- Categoría: Actualidad en inglés
- Publicado el Martes, 25 Enero 2011 17:43
The 1st January 2011 marked the beginning of an election year in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A new cycle of elections will renew the institutions which resulted from the historical elections of 2006 and led to the establishment of the Third Republic.
EurAc, the network of European NGOs for Central Africa, participated in the organization of free and transparent elections in 2006 by sending 2 teams of 120 international observers who worked alongside activists from our Congolese civil society partner associations.
EurAc is convinced that this second electoral cycle, crucial for consolidating the democratisation process, is no less important than that of 2006.
EurAc remains convinced that lasting stability in the Congo requires strengthening the Congolese State, including the instruments that guarantee rule of law and good governance. In this process, organising elections at different levels is essential.
Emphasising the importance of citizen participation in the democratization process, EurAc urges the European Union and the State members to:
1 Accompany the electoral cycle, through providing dedicated political, technical and financial support, as well as real pressure to guarantee the democratic nature of the elections. The aim should be to support the maximum legitimacy for the election results and a strong mandate for the elected president, based on universal suffrage.
2 Mobilise the UN (particularly Monusco) to participate in the practical organisation and logistics of the elections and their security.
3 Contribute towards awareness-raising efforts with the electorate, through the support of civil education and electoral programs, organized by the civil society in partnership with the international NGO’s.
4 Ensure that the electoral cycle is completed. The local elections are an essential step in building effective governance in the DRC. The electoral process at decentralized level will be an important learning process in democracy. Local elections will contribute to the renewal of politics, as well as too the emergence of a new leadership at the grassroots.
5 Help preserve democratic space, so that civil society and the independent media can participate and fulfil their constructive citizen watch-dog roles, monitoring and safeguarding Congo’s fledgling democracy.
6 Put in place a long term observation mission to monitor the pre-electoral period, the elections themselves at all levels and the vote counting process. This will help ensure that:
a: the process takes place correctly
b: each candidate and each party is able to present their political programme to the electorate and to run their campaigns.
c: the Congolese people can freely make their choice and express their will in free and transparent elections.
Kris Berwouts
Director EurAc
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