- The 2023 DRC presidential election is slated for 20 December in what many view as the most consequential election in its recent history.
- There have been reports of various logistical complications threatening to undermine the electoral process.
- Recent developments in Nairobi have seen the emergence of a new group backed by M23 Rebels committed to the liberation of the DRC, signifying a potential shift in the regional dynamics and hinting at the high stakes involved.
On December 20, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will carry out what many view as the most consequential election in the country’s recent history. With President Félix Tshisekedi seeking a second term, nearly 40 million voters will decide whether to stay the course or set a new direction for a nation endowed with vast natural resources but plagued by longstanding challenges.
The DRC, the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, holds nearly 70 per cent of the world’s coltan — critical for electronics — and vast deposits of diamonds, cobalt, and copper. Yet, the wealth beneath its soil has not translated into prosperity for its more than 100 million residents, who continue to grapple with the effects of conflict and corruption hampering the country’s progress.
Despite calls for postponement, the head of the electoral commission has asserted that preparations are on track, setting the stage for an election that will signal the DRC’s dedication to democratic ideals amid the realities of its complex socio-political landscape.
Many on the ground report various logistical complications threatening to undermine the electoral process. Allegations have surfaced that as many as 175,000 voting points across the country lack the necessary ballots, a significant shortfall that could disenfranchise countless voters.
The potential impact of these challenges looms large as the DRC presidential election nears, with observers and analysts suggesting that any victory — be it President Félix Tshisekedi’s or another candidate’s — could be contested if these issues are not promptly resolved. The credibility of the election hinges on the distribution of functional ballots, especially since, just a week before the polls, only a third were reportedly ready, primarily in major urban centres.
Regions such as North Kivu, South Kivu, Goma, and Ituri, which are not considered strongholds for Tshisekedi, could be particularly affected by these challenges. Their votes are crucial in reflecting the national sentiment and ensuring a fair election, given their substantial populations and strategic importance.
Adding to the electoral tension, recent developments in Nairobi have seen the emergence of a new group backed by M23 Rebels committed to the liberation of the DRC, signifying a potential shift in the regional dynamics and hinting at the high stakes involved.
This pivotal election comes at a time when the DRC is still in the shadow of colonialism made worse by the country’s turbulent political history. This makes the upcoming DRC presidential election about more than just selecting the next leader, but defining the country’s trajectory in a quest for stability, development, and self-determination.
In the eastern areas, where the majority of the natural riches are located and which have suffered under decades-long conflict, the election takes on a greater significance. There is no way to put a price on human suffering; one estimate puts the death toll from this conflict at 5.4 million, mostly attributable to starvation and disease. This is according to a 2008 report by the International Rescue Committee. Although this number is up for debate, it does highlight the seriousness of the humanitarian crisis.
With this election, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is taking another step towards political maturity, building on the first peaceful transition of power from Joseph Kabila to Mr. Tshisekedi in 2019. A nation at a crossroads, these elections shine a light after years of instability and coups.
Will Tshisekedi remain in color post-election or will he fade away
The 2023 DRC presidential election is characterised by promise amid danger from the ghosts of a troubled past. Nevertheless, the people of the DRC prepare to cast their ballots, at a historic crossroads in their nation’s history.
Amidst this passionate environment, President Tshisekedi is running for reelection with the promise of a changed nation. Those running against him in the DRC presidential election have poked holes into President Félix Tshisekedi’s quest for reelection on the vision for a reformed nation.
The opposition, spearheaded by prominent figures such as Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, questions his agenda while presenting their own stories of transformation and change.
Despite widespread doubt and debate, President Tshisekedi assumed office in 2019 with the promise to transform the Democratic Republic of the Congo into “the Germany of Africa.” Although the national budget was tripled during his reign, the economy was plagued by long-lasting conflicts in the eastern provinces, widespread corruption, and the Congolese franc’s depreciation, which made an already poor population further poorer.
Free elementary education and maternal health services in Kinshasa are two examples of the president’s narrative of triumph against adversity. Opponents of the leader argue that his goals and the reality of the situation are at odds, citing issues such as overcrowded classrooms, underpaid instructors, and unmet promises.
Moïse Katumbi, a football boss and multi-millionaire mining mogul, appears as a strong opponent on the opposite end of the political spectrum. He ran on a platform of peace in the turbulent east and his previous accomplishments as governor of Katanga, led to his campaign spending second only to the president’s. Many are sceptical of his honesty and his track record in business, but his fans view him as a leader with vision.
The M23 rebel group’s comeback highlights the precarious security situation in North Kivu, which is at the centre of the election storyline. Musa Bi is one of the millions of displaced people caused by the war. She and her children made a terrifying escape but now they’re stuck in the vast Bushagala camp, where they don’t care about the election because it doesn’t appear to affect their terrible situation.
The human cost of the continuous instability in the DRC is starkly highlighted by the misery of the displaced, who are largely ignored in political rhetoric.
The controversial decision to evacuate East African peacekeeping personnel and demand the end of the UN mission, as part of President Tshisekedi’s response to the crisis, demonstrates a nationalist position that appeals to some but leaves others terrified of a security vacuum. The president’s tough stance against Rwanda, which he claims is supporting the M23, adds another layer of complexity to the dynamics in the region.
In the run-up to the election, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is as diverse and interesting as ever. It is a nation that has a youthful, energetic populace but has been weighed down by decades of war and mismanagement; it is a land that is abundant in natural riches but is stuck in poverty. It is unclear if the elections will bring about change or if it will deal with the fundamental problems that the Congolese people are experiencing.
The entire globe is observing the DRC as it makes its decision. Is it going to be the same old grind under the same old leadership, or will there be a change of direction with a fresh challenger who promises reform? The solutions are within the reach of people who are longing for a future free of conflict.
Read Also: Why the World is Watching DR Congo’s Election
Other candidates to watch in the DRC presidential election
Several other candidates bring their unique backgrounds and visions for the future of DRC, each vying for the opportunity to shape the nation’s trajectory.
Denis Mukwege
For many Congolese, 68-year-old Denis Mukwege is an inspiration and a symbol of hope beyond his status as a presidential candidate. For his selfless work in healing rape victims, the gynaecologist, who is revered as the “man who repairs women,” was bestowed the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018. Justice for victims of armed violence drives Mukwege’s campaign, which she uses to criticise the current power systems. National and international praise has been showered upon him for his humanitarian work and leadership at a South Kivu hospital, even though he lacks a traditional political foundation.
Muzito Adolphe
With his extensive background in politics, Adolphe Muzito, 66, is a formidable opponent. Muzito has extensive experience in government, having served as budget minister and inspector of finance before becoming prime minister under Joseph Kabila from 2008 to 2012. He is a seasoned politician with extensive knowledge of the DRC’s political system; he is the head of the “Nouvel Elan” party and was formerly an associate of Martin Fayulu in the Lamuka coalition.
Sesanga Delly
Delly Sesanga brings energy to the marathon despite his advanced age of 53. The leader of the Envol party (Together of Volunteers for the Development of the DRC), Sesanga is a lawyer by profession and the deputy for Luiza in the central Kasaï area. Sesanga has gone from being an ardent Tshisekedi supporter in 2018 to a vehement opponent of the president, accusing him of failing to rehabilitate the country and fulfil his promises.
The Congolese electorate has a diverse range of options thanks to these candidates, who all bring something special to the table. The nation’s pursuit of stability, prosperity, and justice can benefit from their varied viewpoints and life experiences. As the Democratic Republic of the Congo approaches this pivotal election, the perspectives of these candidates enrich the national dialogue surrounding the destiny of the nation.
