Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: Constituency for the election of national deputies is the territory, the city, and the city of Kinshasa is divided into four constituencies. There are currently 169 electoral districts for the whole country.
Source: Loi électorale (2015), article 115: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/03
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments:
Source: Loi organique n°10/013 du 28 Juillet 2010 portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante, art.9: http://www.leganet.cd/Legislation/JO/2010/JOS.28.07.2010.pdf
Verified: 2016/11/03
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments:
Source: Loi organique n°10/013 du 28 Juillet 2010 portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante, art.9: http://www.leganet.cd/Legislation/JO/2010/JOS.28.07.2010.pdf
Verified: 2016/11/03
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
b . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The President of the Republic is elected by direct universal vote in one turn. The whole country forms a constituency and an absolute majority of votes cast is required. The President serves a term of 5 years and can be reelected once.
Source: Constitution (2015), article 71: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011-english-version/view
Verified: 2018/11/09
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The Prime Minister is appointed by the President after consultation with the party that forms the parliamentary majority. If there is no such party, the President appoints a person who in his view will be able to form a coalition.
Source: Constitution (2015), Art. 78: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011-english-version/view
Verified: 2018/11/09
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic is the Head of the State
Source: Constitution (2015), Art. 69: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011-english-version/view
Verified: 2018/11/09
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The national legislature consists of two chambers : the National Assembly (500 members) and the Senate (108 members) all elected for 5 years.
Source: Constitution (2015), Art. 100: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011-english-version/view
Verified: 2018/11/09
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP) g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The electoral system combines both majoritarian constituencies and proportional representation, depending on the size of the constituency:
Majority vote applies to single-member constituencies. Proportional representation with open lists and one preferential vote, with the application of the rule of the highest average applies to multi-member constituencies.
Source: Constitution (2015), article 101: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011-english-version/view
Verified: 2018/11/09
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Loi électorale (2015): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/03
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections e . Other
Comments: b) Provincial, urban and municipal municipal elections.
e) Presidential elections.
Source: Loi électorale (2015): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/03
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Loi électorale (2015), articles 5-7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/03
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The courts competent to hear election disputes are:
- The Constitutional Court, for petitions regarding presidential and legislative elections;
- The Administrative Court of Appeal for petitions regarding provincial elections;
- The Administrative Tribunal for petitions regarding urban, municipal and local elections.
Source: Loi électorale (2011), Art. 74: http://www.ambardc.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=232%3Aloi-electorale-de-la-rdc&catid=50&Itemid=70 (2012)
Verified: 2016/11/03
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: d) Referenda
Source: Loi organique portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (2010), art. 3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rd.-congo-loi-organique-de-la-ceni/
Verified: 2016/11/29
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Independent National Electoral Commission has financial and administrative autonomy. It has its own budget, which can supplemented by donations. Its budget is incorporated into the State budget.
Source: Loi organique portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (2010), art. 44:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rd.-congo-loi-organique-de-la-ceni/
Verified: 2016/11/29
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: At the end of any election or referendum process, an external auditor is appointed by the National Court of Auditors within thirty days after the filing of the general report of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The findings of the Court of Auditors are transmitted to the Parliament. A copy of the report is forwarded to the President of the Republic and the Government.
Source: Loi organique portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (2010), art.52: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rd.-congo-loi-organique-de-la-ceni/
Verified: 2016/11/29
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: 6 years
Source: Loi organique portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (2010), art. 13:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rd.-congo-loi-organique-de-la-ceni/
Verified: 2016/11/29
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Independent National Electoral Commission has financial and administrative autonomy.
Source: Law No. 10/013 of 28 July 2010 on the organisation, duties and functions of the Independent Electoral Commission, Art. 6: http://www.digitalcongo.net/article/68860 (2012)
Verified: 2012/06/28
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: The CENI is composed of thirteen members appointed by the of the National Assembly, six delegates of which two women by the Majority and four of whom a woman by the political opposition
Source: LAW N ° 13/012 OF APRIL 19, 2013 on the organisation, duties and functions of the Independent Electoral Commission, Article 10. http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/republique-democratique-du-congo-avril-2013-loi/view
Verified: 2018/11/08
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The members the Independent National Electoral Commission are chosen among independent personalities recognized for their competences, moral and intellectual integrity.
Source: LAW N ° 13/012 OF APRIL 19, 2013 on the organisation, duties and functions of the Independent Electoral Commission, Article 12. http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/republique-democratique-du-congo-avril-2013-loi/view
Verified: 2018/11/08
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State d . Opposition e . Legislature g . Political parties
Comments: Four of the commissioners are selected by the political party that has parliamentary majority and three commissioners are selected by the opposition. The appointment of the commissioners is endorsed by the National Assembly and is ratified by Presidential Ordinance.
Source: Law No. 10/013 of 28 July 2010 on the organisation, duties and functions of the Independent Electoral Commission, Art. 10, 12: http://www.digitalcongo.net/article/68860 (2012);
Official Website of the Independent National Electoral Commission:
http://www.ceni.gouv.cd/info.aspx?id_rubrique=11&id_page=23 (2012)
Verified: 2016/11/29
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations k . Other
Comments: a) The Independent National Electoral Commission
g) Civil society bodies and NGOs undertake voter training but lack the resources to reach the rural areas.
k) MONUC (UN Mission in DR Congo)
Source: 1)Loi organique portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Électorale Nationale Indépendante (2010), art. 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rd.-congo-loi-organique-de-la-ceni/
2)Rapport final de la mission d'observation électorale de l'UE aux élections présidentielle et législatives du 28 novembre 2011 en RDC: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-rapport-final-elections-presidentielle-et/
Verified: 2016/11/29
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: 1)Loi organique portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Électorale Nationale Indépendante (2010), art. 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rd.-congo-loi-organique-de-la-ceni/
2)Rapport final de la mission d'observation électorale de l'UE aux élections présidentielle et législatives du 28 novembre 2011 en RDC: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-rapport-final-elections-presidentielle-et/
Verified: 2016/11/29
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments:
Source: 1)Loi organique portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Électorale Nationale Indépendante (2010), art. 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rd.-congo-loi-organique-de-la-ceni/
2)Rapport final de la mission d'observation électorale de l'UE aux élections présidentielle et législatives du 28 novembre 2011 en RDC: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-rapport-final-elections-presidentielle-et/
Verified: 2016/11/29
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: a) 18 years
Source: Loi électorale de la RDC (2015),art. 5:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/29
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: e) In order to be able to vote one must be present at the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo the day of the elections.
Source: Loi électorale de la RDC (2015),art. 5:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/29
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: d) The Independent National Electoral Commission
Source: Loi organique portant organisation et fonctionnement de la Commission Électorale Nationale Indépendante (2010), art. 9:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rd.-congo-loi-organique-de-la-ceni/
Verified: 2016/11/29
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Loi électorale de la RDC (2015),art. 6:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/29
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: b) 250.000 Congolese Francs per list or per candidate;
f) Political parties must submit to the Independent Electoral Commission a list of their candidates.
Source: Loi électorale de la RDC (2015):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/29
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration h . Minimum level of education i . Minimum level of literacy j . Other
Comments: a) 25 years old
h) Candidates are required to have a graduate degree or at least justify a professional experience of at least five years in one of the following areas: political, administrative, economic or socio-cultural.
Source: Loi électorale de la RDC (2015), art. 120:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/29
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Loi électorale (2006), art. 17: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/drc-electoral-law-february-2006-french./
Verified: 2016/11/29
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments: The political parties may receive from the State public funds designated to finance their electoral campaigns or their activities, under the conditions defined by the law
Source: Constitution (2015) Article 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011-english-version/view
Verified: 2018/11/09
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
e . Other
Comments: c) Public grants are allocated to political parties represented in one of the two chambers of the Parliament in proportion to their number of representatives.
Source: Loi n° 08/005 du 10 juin 2008 portant financement public des partis politiques, art. 3: http://www.leganet.cd/Legislation/Droit%20Public/Divers/L.08.005.10.06.2008.htm
Verified: 2016/11/29
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law on Presidential and legislative elections (2015). http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/republique-democratique-du-congo-loi-nb011-003-du/view
Verified: 2018/11/09
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Loi électorale de la RDC, art. 62:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/drc-electoral-law-february-2006-french./view
Verified: 2016/11/29
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
e . Court order
Comments:
Source: Loi électorale (2011), art. 74:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/republique-democratique-du-congo-loi-nb011-003-du/view
Verified: 2016/11/29
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source: Loi électorale (2015), art. 30: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/29
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: 1)Loi électorale de la RDC (2015), art. 33:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/view
2) Rapport Final, Élections présidentielle et législatives, Mission d'Observation de l'UE en RDC aux élections présidentielle et législatives de 2011: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-rapport-final-elections-presidentielle-et/
Verified: 2016/11/29
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
b . 2-3 days
Comments: There is no specific legal provision in this regard. However, the law specifies that the electoral campaign period ends 24 hours before the election day and any act of electoral propaganda outside the period of the electoral campaign is prohibited.
Source: Directive No. CSAC/AP/0002/2011 du 28 Septembre 2011 du Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel et de la communication (CSAC)
Verified: 2016/11/29
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no legal provisions in this regard.
Source: Loi électorale (2015), art. 30: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/congo-kinshasa-rdc-loi-electorale-2015/
Verified: 2016/11/29
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011) Art. 5, 214, 218:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: No transfer, exchange or acquisition of territory shall be valid unless it is approved by referendum. In addition, any amendment to the Constitution needs to be approved by referendum. Finally, a referendum is required for the transfer of the capital to another part of the country.
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011) Art. 5, 214, 218:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011):http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 100,000 citizens can submit to one of the two parliamentary chambers a request for constitutional amendment.
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011) Art. 218:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011) Art. 218:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011):Constitution de la RDC (2011)http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011) Art. 5, 214, 218:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
a . Constitutional changes only
Comments:
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011) Art. 5, 214, 218:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution de la RDC (2011):http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CD/rdc-constitution-2011/
Verified: 2016/11/30
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law No. 11/003 of 25 June 2011, Art. 57, 59: http://www.ambardc.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=232%3Aloi-electorale-de-la-rdc&catid=50&Itemid=70 (2012);
Official Website of the Independent National Electoral Commission: http://www.ceni.gouv.cd/info.aspx?id_rubrique=3&id_page=7 (2012)
Verified: 2012/06/28
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
a . Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law No. 11/003 of 25 June 2011, Art. 57, 59: http://www.ambardc.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=232%3Aloi-electorale-de-la-rdc&catid=50&Itemid=70 (2012);
Official Website of the Independent National Electoral Commission: http://www.ceni.gouv.cd/info.aspx?id_rubrique=3&id_page=7 (2012)
Verified: 2012/06/28
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law No. 11/003 of 25 June 2011, Art. 57, 59: http://www.ambardc.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=232%3Aloi-electorale-de-la-rdc&catid=50&Itemid=70 (2012);
Official Website of the Independent National Electoral Commission: http://www.ceni.gouv.cd/info.aspx?id_rubrique=3&id_page=7 (2012)
Verified: 2012/06/28
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law No. 11/003 of 25 June 2011, Art. 57, 58: http://www.ambardc.eu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=232%3Aloi-electorale-de-la-rdc&catid=50&Itemid=70 (2012);
Official Website of the Independent National Electoral Commission: http://www.ceni.gouv.cd/info.aspx?id_rubrique=3&id_page=7 (2012)
Verified: 2012/06/28
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