DRC urged to hold timely elections

In a joint statement, the African Union , the United Nations, the International Organization of la Francophonies and the European Union have called on the Democratic Republic of Congo to hold elections on time.

“The four partner organisations underline the crucial importance of these elections, whose peaceful, transparent, smooth and timely conduct would greatly contribute to consolidating the progress made in the DRC for more than a decade. We urge all Congolese political actors to spare no effort, within the framework of the country’s Constitution, to ensure the successful holding of elections, preserve peace and deepen democracy, including through a political process,” said the statement.

The official announcement follows hot on the heels of news that the country might postpone elections scheduled for November, a move that has been criticized by opposition parties who said the postponement is a plot to keep the country’s president Joseph Kabila longer in power.

The four organisations have also urged Congolese political actors to cooperate with AU mediation led by Former Secretary General of the organisation, Edem Kodjo.

In January, political parties rejected the mediation, saying Kodjo has no plan to respect article 220 which limits a president’s term to two.