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DRC President Warns of Possible Electoral Delay Due to Eastern Conflict
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

DRC President Warns of Possible Electoral Delay Due to Eastern Conflict

From ABC Color · (6m ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) warned that the ongoing conflict in the east could jeopardize the 2028 general elections.
  • He stated that elections cannot be held without the participation of North and South Kivu provinces, which are currently affected by the conflict with the M23 rebel group.
  • President Tshisekedi also expressed openness to seeking a third term, which would necessitate a constitutional reform, emphasizing that any such changes would require a public referendum.

Kinshasa, DRC – President Félix Tshisekedi has issued a stark warning regarding the upcoming general elections, scheduled for 2028. He stated that the persistent conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the ongoing fight against the M23 rebel group, poses a significant threat to the timely and fair conduct of these elections. "We want to end the war as soon as possible. If we do not manage to end the war, unfortunately, we will not be able to hold the 2028 elections," Tshisekedi declared in a televised press conference.

We want to end the war as soon as possible. If we do not manage to end the war, unfortunately, we will not be able to hold the 2028 elections. But it will not be because I refused to organize them, because the resources are there and we can do it.

— Félix TshisekediPresident of the DRC, explaining the potential impact of the ongoing conflict on the 2028 elections.

The President emphasized that the exclusion of North and South Kivu provinces, regions heavily impacted by the conflict, would render the elections illegitimate. "We cannot organize them without (the provinces affected by the conflict of) North Kivu and South Kivu," he asserted, highlighting the critical need for peace and stability in these areas before any electoral process can commence. This statement underscores the immense challenge the government faces in restoring order and ensuring national unity.

We cannot organize them without (the provinces affected by the conflict of) North Kivu and South Kivu.

— Félix TshisekediPresident of the DRC, emphasizing the necessity of stability in eastern provinces for holding elections.

Adding a layer of complexity, Tshisekedi also revealed his openness to pursuing a third presidential term, a move that would require amending the DRC's constitution, which currently limits presidents to two five-year terms. While he stressed that such a decision would only be made if the Congolese people desired it and would be subject to a referendum, the mere suggestion has already ignited debate among opposition parties, the Catholic Church, and civil society organizations, who have historically opposed constitutional reforms aimed at extending presidential terms.

I have not asked for a third term, but I tell you that, if the people want me to have a third term, I will accept it.

— Félix TshisekediPresident of the DRC, expressing willingness to serve a third term if desired by the populace, contingent on constitutional changes.

This situation is particularly concerning given the DRC's history of political instability and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the east, fueled by resource-rich eastern provinces becoming battlegrounds. The international community, including the United States, is involved in discussions concerning justice sector reforms that may necessitate constitutional changes. As ABC Color reports from Paraguay, the DRC's internal political dynamics, intertwined with regional security issues and resource conflicts, present a complex challenge for stability and democratic progress in Central Africa.

If any change or revision is to be made, it will never be done without consulting the population, through a referendum.

— Félix TshisekediPresident of the DRC, assuring that any constitutional changes would be subject to a public vote.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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