On 22 December 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) began revealing the first trends of voting that began on 20 December in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An operation was carried out in “Bossolo”, a large ephemeral center located in Kinshasa.
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From our special correspondent in Kinshasa,
” Céni by global standards that characterize a democratic culture. » In the corridors of the school and cultural complex of Athene de la Gombe, in Kinshasa, the Independent National Electoral Commission is promoting it. ” Inclusion, transparency, independence, neutrality, accountability and professionalism »: These are the keywords that this institution is often criticized in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo), I would like to see an attachment for the ballot taken on December 20 and 21, 2023.
Read alsoGeneral elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a disrupted voting day in Kinshasa
To enhance the image of these partial presidential, legislative, local and municipal elections, Céni created a large, ephemeral center for disseminating the results, called “Bosolo”.
Inside this massive marquee, three giant screens sit at the back of a carpeted space lit by bluish spotlights. This is where the results of the DRC's 182 electoral districts should be revealed – with the exception of Rutshuru, Masisi and Kwamuth where voting was not possible due to insecurity.
Merlin Casadei, who manages logistics at Bussolo, explains: “ First, this center is a tool for transparency. Secondly, it is a tool to bring all stakeholders back into the electoral process. Here you have the media, international organizations and international, national and local observers. This center aims to bring everyone together, so everyone participates. »
” This is the center of truth at the ballot box »
The building is designed to accommodate up to 500 people, with a large theatre. At nine o'clock in the evening, Denis Kadima, the president of Seni, goes up there, accompanied by part of his team. ” The word “posolo” in Lingala means “truth”. So this is the center of “truth” here. But in fact, it is the center of the reality of the ballot boxHe says. The goal of this center is to come together to hold election evenings during which the results will be announced. “.
Denis Kadima concludes: “ I've heard some people talking about a chaotic election. We do not consider these elections to be chaotic. We consider that time is not our friend, we have given our best. The goal was not to seek perfection in order to be applauded. The goal was to allow the Congolese people to participate in an open, competitive, democratic and credible process. […] If some people see the glass as half empty, we see the glass as three-quarters full. »
Denis Kadima responds to the criticism
At 9:20 p.m., the first films appear on the screen. The beginning of a new long process for Céni and its agents.
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