On December 22, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) began revealing the first trends of the vote that began on December 20 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). An operation carried out in “Bosolo”, a large short-lived center in Kinshasa.
Published on: December 22, 2023 – 11:39 p.m
3 mins
From our special correspondent in Kinshasa,
“A world-class Céni that shapes a democratic culture. » The Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) is promoting this in the corridors of the Athénée de la Gombe school and cultural complex in Kinshasa. “Inclusion, transparency, independence, impartiality, accountability, professionalism”: these are the key words with which this institution, much criticized in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo), I would like to see it attached to the ballot paper for December 20th and 21st, 2023.
Also read: Parliamentary elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A disrupted election day in Kinshasa
In particular, to strengthen the image of these partial presidential, parliamentary, provincial and municipal elections, the Céni has set up a large short-lived center for the publication of the results called “Bosolo”.
The exterior of the short-lived Bosolo Center installed by the Independent National Electoral Commission on December 22, 2023 in Kinshasa. © David Kalfa/RFI
This huge marquee features three huge screens at the back of a carpeted room lit by bluish spotlights. The results of the 182 constituencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo – minus those of Rutshuru, Masisi and Kwamouth, where voting could not be held due to insecurity – must be disclosed here.
Merlin Kazadi, who heads Bosolo's logistics, explains: “Firstly, this center is a tool of transparency. And secondly, it is a tool to bring everyone involved back into the electoral process. Here you have the media, international organizations, international, national and local observers. This center is intended to bring everyone together so that everyone participates. »
“Here lies the core of the truth in the elections”
The rooms are designed for up to 500 people and have a large stage. At 9 p.m., Denis Kadima, the boss of Céni, goes up there accompanied by part of his team. “'Bosolo' means 'truth' in Lingala. So this is the center of “truth”. But in reality, he says, it's the core truth about the ballot box. The aim of this center is to jointly organize election evenings where the results will be announced.”
Organizers, observers and media wait for the broadcast of the results of the Democratic Republic of Congo's parliamentary elections to begin on December 22, 2023 in Kinshasa. © David Kalfa/RFI
Denis Kadima concludes: “I have heard some people talking about chaotic elections. We do not consider these elections to be chaotic. We believe that time is not our ally, we have tried our best. The goal was not to strive for perfection in order to gain applause. The aim was to enable the Congolese people to participate in an open, competitive, democratic and credible process. […] When 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 beginning of a new long process for the Céni and its agents.
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