DRC: Tshisekedi confirms next year elections

Félix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) confirmed on Saturday the holding of general elections in the central African country in December next year, and indicated that the process will be entirely funded by the state.

“I am happy and confident to affirm today that the year 2023 will be essentially electoral with the organization of multiple elections at all levels on the basis of the calendar published by the CENI (independent national electoral commission),” the leader told lawmakers and senators.

“To consolidate our still fragile democracy, the respect of electoral cycles remains a requirement,” he said.

He added that the Congolese diaspora in South Africa, France, Belgium, Canada and the U.S.A. will cast their vote in theses states considered as pilot countries.

The CENI late last month presented the electoral timeline in the central African country, specifying that the presidential poll will take place on December 20 next year.

The country will also hold legislative, provincial and local elections on the same day. Campaign will kick-start November 19, 2023 and will wind up on December 18.

Tshisekedi also announced that the entire electoral process will be funded by state resources though there is still room for support from technical and financial partners.

“I have instructed the government to accompany the CENI and to spare no effort in providing it with the necessary resources,” he said.

“I am proud to confirm that the Congolese government is financing 100% of the budget for the current electoral cycle according to the disbursement plan established by the CENI, while remaining open to support from technical and financial partners,” he added.

The 59-year old man is expected to seek a second term in office after winning controversial 2019 elections that critics say was a deal between his predecessor Joseph Kabila.