DR Congo: Election Campaigns Hit High Gear

By Badylon Kawanda Bakiman

 Since midnight on Sunday, November 19, 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Central Africa has been vibrating to the rhythm of the electoral campaign for the presidential, legislative and local elections to be held on December 20. So far, no major incidents have been reported anywhere in the country.

A total of 25 presidential candidates are in the running. Among them is Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the incumbent president. The Constitutional Court had validated 26 presidential candidates, but Matata Mponyo, a former prime minister, rallied behind Moise Katumbi, the former governor of Katanga.

The incumbent is currently in Kindu, Maniema province in the east of the DRC, continuing the campaign he began in the capital, Kinshasa, last Sunday. The province of Kongo Central was the second stage of his campaign.

"My first objective is peace. As peace has returned to Kabambare territory, I want peace to return throughout the country", declared Félix Tshisekedi in Kindu.

The outgoing president pledged to create jobs and consolidate the achievements of his first five-year term.

For his part, Martin Fayulu, opponent and unsuccessful candidate in 2018, is campaigning in the Bandundu region in the south-west of the country.

He has promised to reform the army so that it becomes increasingly professional.

Martin Fayulu Madidi called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to organize transparent and peaceful elections, during his address to the population of Bandundu, in Kwilu, as part of the 2023 election campaign.

"Congo is indivisible, no one can separate the Congolese", declared Fayulu, as he advocated national cohesion to boost the DRC's development.