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DR Congo’s Electorate Need to Prioritize “competence, moral probity”: Catholic Bishops

Members of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO). Credit: CENCO
Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Kinshasa, 22 November, 2023 / 8:45 pm (ACI Africa).

There is need for eligible voters in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to consider political candidates’ “competence and moral probity” when casting their ballots on December 20, Catholic Bishops in the Central African nation have said. 

In a statement shared with ACI Africa Wednesday, November 22, members of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) weigh in on the ongoing political campaigns for the presidential, legislative and local elections, which officially kicked off on November 19. 

“The electoral campaign is the time to hold those who have led us to account for the promises they have made, and to judge the relevance and feasibility of the promises made by new candidates,” CENCO members say.

They add, “Elections give us the power to renew our confidence in the leaders of institutions who have served the country well, but also to sanction those who have mismanaged it by serving their own interests.”

“When dealing with new candidates, let us give priority to the objective criteria of competence and moral probity,” the Catholic Church leaders say in their statement dated Tuesday, November 21.

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They caution the electorate in DRC against self-serving political “opportunists” and those who foster social vices, including tribalism and nepotism.

“Let us therefore become aware of our responsibility as primary sovereigns by saying: No to opportunists who change sides in search of their own interests, no to those who take on family members as parliamentarians, no to those who postulate at all levels, no to tribalism and nepotism, and no to the buying of consciences,” Catholic Bishops in DRC say.

They call on the Congolese to “follow the voice of our conscience when choosing candidates, and not the watchwords of political commissioners who are committed to their own interests.”

On voting day, CENCO members urge the electorate to be “vigilant and alert to protect our vote.”

“Let's not leave the Polling Stations until the results are posted,” Catholic Bishops in DRC say.

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In a press release issued November 18, members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) called on political candidates to “respect the laws and good electoral practices” during the month-long political campaigns.

In their November 21 statement, Catholic Bishops in DRC call on CENI members to “guarantee the transparency of the voting and counting operations by respecting the legal provisions.”

CENCO members also urge Church authorities to “avoid renting or ceding Church spaces for the electoral campaign of individuals or political groupings.”

“Our places of worship must never be used for political propaganda. It is forbidden to give the floor to political actors during Eucharistic celebrations or any other ecclesial activity for campaigning,” the Catholic Church leaders say.

They go on to underscore the need for transparency in the electoral process, saying, “Acceptance of the results of the forthcoming elections will depend to a large extent on compliance with the legal provisions concerning the publication of voter registers, electoral mapping in a downloadable format and, above all, the publication of results poll by poll.”

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“This will improve the perception of CENI's work and increase confidence, which is currently lacking,” CENCO members note in their November 21 statement.

They implore, “Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Congo, may the Holy Spirit enlighten all parties involved in the electoral process, so that we can win the challenge of credible, transparent and peaceful elections, for the advent of a Congo more beautiful than before.”

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.