2023-12-22 22:39:03
It was on December 22, 2023 that the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) began to reveal the first trends of the vote which began on December 20 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). An operation carried out in “Bosolo”, a large ephemeral center located in Kinshasa.
Published on: 12/22/2023 – 11:39 p.m.
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From our special correspondent in Kinshasa,
« A Céni of world standard which imprints a democratic culture. » In the corridors of the Athénée de la Gombe school and cultural complex, in Kinshasa, the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) is promoting it. “ Inclusion, transparency, independence, impartiality, accountability, professionalism »: these are the key words that this institution, much criticized in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), would like to see attached to the ballot which took place on December 20 and 21, 2023.
Read alsoGeneral elections in the DRC: in Kinshasa, a disrupted voting day
To strengthen the image of these partial presidential, legislative, provincial and municipal elections, the Céni has notably installed a large ephemeral center for publishing the results, called “Bosolo”.
The exterior of the Bosolo ephemeral center, installed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, on December 22, 2023 in Kinshasa. © David Kalfa/RFI
Inside this immense marquee, three giant screens sit at the back of a space lined with carpets and lit by bluish spotlights. This is where the scores of the 182 constituencies in the DRC – minus those of Rutshuru, Masisi and Kwamouth where it was not possible to vote due to insecurity – must be revealed.
Merlin Kazadi, who manages Bosolo’s logistics, explains: “ First, this center is an instrument of transparency. And secondly, it is an instrument to bring back all the stakeholders in the electoral process. Here you have the media, international organizations, international, national and local observers. This center is to bring everyone together, so that everyone participates. »
« This is the center of truth at the polls »
The premises are designed to accommodate up to 500 people, with a large stage. At 9 p.m., Denis Kadima, the boss of Céni, goes up there, accompanied by part of his team. “ “Bosolo”, in Lingala, means “truth”. So this is the “truth” center here. But, in reality, it is the center of the truth of the ballot boxhe says. The goal of this center is to come together to have election evenings during which the results will be announced. ».
Organizers, observers and media, waiting for the start of the broadcast of the results of the general elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, December 22, 2023 in Kinshasa. © David Kalfa/RFI
Denis Kadima concludes: I have heard some people talk about chaotic elections. We do not consider these elections to be chaotic. We consider that time is not our ally, we have given the best of ourselves. The goal was not to seek perfection in order to be applauded. The goal was to allow Congolese people to participate in an open, competitive, democratic and credible process. […] If some people see a glass half empty, we see a glass three-quarters full. »
At 9:20 p.m., the very first ones appear on the screen. The start of a new long process for the Céni and its agents.
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