Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - The institutions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are likely to be faced with a crisis of legitimacy as a result of disputes concerning both the presidential (won by outgoing President Kabila) and the legislative elections. This is what a note sent to Fides says on behalf of the Peace Network for Congo, promoted by missionaries working in the Country.
"The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the provisional results of the elections held on November 28 - the note reads -. Even if they have yet to be validated by the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ), a certain configuration of the next House of Representatives appears. On this basis, even early predictions on the future Prime Minister, the new Government and the next President of the Chamber of Deputies begin to appear. Everything is unfolding as if elections were perfectly normal and regular, regardless of the many errors, many of the numerous irregularities and electoral fraud detected at both the legislative and presidential elections, as both were held on the same day and same circumstances", says the note.
"The Congolese people are well aware that a President lacks legitimacy when the published results do not correspond exactly to those expressed in the ballot box. The same thing applies to elected members in similar circumstances. Ceni and the CSJ have the duty to establish the truth of the election results. If not, they will be suspected of high treason".
"The crisis of legitimacy, is quite clear with regards to the Presidential Majority, it can also undermine the opposition", the note continues. "In fact, on what basis can it claim the electoral victory of its candidate? In fact, without having the full picture of the 'real results' of all the seats it is difficult to know who won and who lost the presidential election". The Peace Network for Congo underlines that "probably" just a recount of votes could decide the case and give legitimacy to the institutions. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 08/02/2012)
