DRC Election: High Stakes Amid Transparency Concerns and Insecurity

Incumbent President Tshisekedi Favored to Win Despite Allegations of Impeding Opposition Campaigns

Millions of Congolese citizens are set to vote in one of the most anticipated elections of 2023, which could represent the second peaceful civilian-to-civilian transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s history.
Concerns about transparency have been raised, especially after the European Union observer mission pulled out and hundreds of thousands of people in volatile eastern areas are unable to vote due to insecurity from armed groups.
Denis Kadima, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), insists the process is on track despite major challenges, including late appointment of the commission, logistical difficulties, and slow funding.
Incumbent President Félix Tshisekedi is favored to win against a divided opposition, but faces a severe crisis of insecurity in the mineral-rich northeast, and struggles with corruption and lack of resources in the west and south.
Independent observers have raised concerns about the adequacy of the government’s preparations for a free and fair election, with rivals accusing Tshisekedi of using government powers to impede their campaigns.