News

Congo-Kinshasa: National Assembly Opens First Session, AllAfrica (2007)

The DRC National Assembly met on March 15, 2007 for the opening of their first ordinary session at the Palais du Peuple in Kinshasa, which was attended by many political personalities from MONUC and the international community. During his opening address, Assembly President Vital Kamerhe spoke of the many challenges that lie ahead for the country.

Congo sect in deadly poll clashes, BBC News

At least 90 people are killed in clashes between a religious sect and DR Congo police in an election dispute. (BBC news)

Congo Rejects UN Call for Publication of Election Schedule, businessweek (2010)

The UN, U.S. and European Union in a letter last month urged President Joseph Kabila to publish a calendar to ensure there is enough time to prepare logistical and financial support for the elections. Kabila said in December the vote would take place in 2011. The government’s failure to publish a more detailed schedule is of “concern,” according to the letter, which hasn’t been released publicly

DRC: New Congolese electoral body to organize next year's election, VOA (2010)

This article discusses President Joseph Kabila's decision to create a panel that would form a new Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). The new CENI will be organize next year's general election. The panel will replace the old leadership of the electoral body, institute with the 2002 peace accord and chaired by Father Apollinaire Malu-Malu.

DR Congo to hold presidential elections on November 27, 2011, People's Daily Online (2010)

This article discusses the Congolese Independent Electoral Commission's decision to set a date for the next elections. CEI announced that elections will be held on November 27, 2011 and if necessary the run-off will be held alongside the local elections on February 26, 2012.

DR Congo opposition anger over electoral changes, BBC News (2010)

This article reports on the opposition parties' reaction against the government's plan to change the electoral system in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The government announced its intention to change the Constitution in order to elect the president in one round of voting, arguing that this would avoid violent confrontations. As a matter of fact, in the 2006 presidential elections, riots broke out precisely during the second round of voting. The opposition parties, however, argues that this proposal is intended to favor President Kabila's reelection in November.

Money, not politics, behind Congo constitutional amendment, VOA News (2010)

This article comments the proposed constitutional changes that would modify the electoral system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the information minister, Lambert Mende, the country's economic condition is the main reason for the amendment that would eliminate the second round for the presidential elections, as the international community will be unable to fund the upcoming November elections. According to Mr Mende, this amendment will now weaken the opposition in any way.

DR Congo parliament backs Kabila vote reform, Reuters (2011)

This article reports on the controversial electoral reform recently passed by the parliament in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Kabila presented an electoral reform, introducing eight changes to the constitution, like, for example, the elimination of the second round of the presidential election. The opposition parties boycotted the sitting, arguing that this reform will overwhelmingly favor President Kabila in his re-election plans. Among other things, the reform also postpones plans to increase the number of provinces in the country to 26 from 11.

Congo scraps presidential run-off vote in step aiing Kabila, Bloomberg (2011)

This article discusses the electoral reform presented by President Kabila and recently passed the the parliament in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The reform consists of eight constitutional amendments, and it was strongly criticized by the opposition parties. The reform, they argue, will favor incumbent president Kabila in the November elections.

Congo opposition face tricky, not impossible task, Reuters (2011)

This article reports on the political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Joseph Kabila was able to pass the constitutional reform that could bolstered his re-election bid, while opposition parties boycotted the vote. According to the author, these parties will now be able to find a consensus for the next presidential elections, and to put their differences aside to unite around one candidate.

DRC official: Investigation to Follow Presidential Residence Attack, voanews (february 2011)

A top official of the Democratic Republic of Congo says his government is waiting for the judiciary to officially launch an investigation after assailants attacked President Joseph Kabila’s residence Sunday in the capital, Kinshasa.

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