The
presidential electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a mess.
On purpose, of course, to allow the outgoing power circle, led by President
Joseph Kabila, to manipulate its outcome and guarantee a safer retirement. Chaotic,
it’s true, but it could have been worse, another tragedy for the martyred population.
The
process is not transparent at all. Not credible, I should add. However, the key
concern at this stage is to avoid new eruptions of violence. And try to bring a
minimum of acceptability to the results.
We
should trust the Congolese civil society organisations. In particular, those
linked to the Catholic Church and to the popular electoral observation. They are
strong enough and very courageous. They should be able to force the electoral
commission – independent only on name – to recount the votes and be true to the
voters. Not easy, but that’s the way forward. Everything else would be a return
to the undemocratic practises the country has experienced for so long.
It’s
also clear this is not the time for external actors to be dictating possible
courses of action. No time either for undiplomatic pressure. It would not work.
And it would not respect the determination of the Congolese people to find
their own path to a more stable and democratic nation. Outside partners of the
DRC can only express moral support for the domestic organisations that are
genuinely committed to addressing the electoral manipulation.
