In December 2023, Democracy Reporting International supported a citizens’ electoral observation mission for DR Congo’s general elections. A coalition of four Congolese civil society organisations deployed thousands of observers across the country.
Drawing on the insights gained during this extensive electoral observation effort, Regard Cityoen has produced a comprehensive report analysing the electoral process. This final report outlines key findings on election procedures and offers targeted recommendations to address identified gaps.
By highlighting areas for improvement, the Regard Citoyen coalition aims to promote more transparent, credible, and inclusive elections while strengthening democratic governance in the DR Congo. Therefore, this report serves as both an evaluation of the 2023 elections and provides a roadmap for enhancing future electoral processes.
Find below the report’s key recommendations:
To the Government:
- Update the decree on election security to better protect candidates, electoral agents, and citizens.
- Strengthen protections for women candidates, observers, and voters, particularly against gender-based violence, and enforce stricter penalties.
- Implement the political finance law and ensure the timely preparation of the next electoral cycle.
To the Electoral Commission (CENI):
- Ensure strict adherence to legal procedures for result transmission.
- Establish inclusive dialogue frameworks with stakeholders and incorporate their resolutions into the decision of the electoral commission.
- Increase transparency in spending and enforce budget discipline.
To the Parliament:
- Harmonise the legal framework for elections, especially laws governing the electoral commission, to clarify gaps and address civil society’s recommendations.
- Establish an independent commission to review appointments to the electoral commission, involving civil society, religious organisations, and legal experts.
- Set mandatory deadlines for the publication of election results at the polling station level, with penalties for non-compliance.
To Political Parties:
- Support gender policies and promote women’s candidacies for elective positions.
- Present clear political agendas to voters and enforce parity in party leadership.
