Category: Politics

According to a statement issued by NEC on Monday, February 19, 2024, prospective candidates for the presidency and parliamentary seats can submit their applications from May 17, 2024, until May 30, 2024.

The commission detailed that submissions for presidential candidates, as well as for parliamentary deputies, will be accepted during the specified period, with the process taking place at the Commission’s headquarters on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Following the closure of submissions on June 6, 2024, a preliminary list of eligible candidates for both the President and Deputies will be disclosed. The final list of approved candidates is scheduled for announcement on June 14, 2024.

This final roster will be made available on the Commission’s website, setting the stage for the elections slated for July 15, 2024.

The decision to hold the presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently marks a significant change from the previous electoral cycle, where presidential elections were conducted on August 3 and 4, 2017, and parliamentary elections took place on September 2 and 3, 2018.

In February 2023, the National Electoral Commission proposed merging these elections to reduce related budget.

Valens Muhakwa, the PSD’s First Vice President, underscored the party’s active engagement in the preparations for the imminent presidential and parliamentary elections. “The party is not standing idle,” he declared, emphasizing the PSD’s commitment to playing a substantial role in Rwanda’s political landscape.

Muhakwa outlined the internal process for selecting the PSD’s presidential candidate, stating, “According to the party’s regulations, the decision will be made by the national congress scheduled for next Wednesday.” This clarification sheds light on the formal procedure governing candidate nominations.

Expressing pride in the party’s accomplishments over its 33 years of existence, Muhakwa highlighted the PSD’s noteworthy contribution to Rwanda’s national development. He intends to leverage this track record as a compelling argument in the upcoming electoral campaign, stating, “We are preparing plans and strategies that we will present to the Rwandans,” and indicating that the party will emphasize its achievements when seeking votes.

Despite not fielding a presidential candidate since 2010, when Jean Damascène finished second with 5.15% of the votes, the PSD appears determined to make a robust comeback on the presidential stage.

Tshisekedi secured a dominant 73.47 percent of the vote, while main opposition candidate Moise Katumbi trailed behind with 18.08 percent, according to the court’s declaration.

The president-elect is scheduled to be sworn in on Jan. 20 after the Constitutional Court approves the election results.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission that oversaw the general elections, over 18 million Congolese, from a total of 44 million registered voters, cast their ballots in the elections for the president, the National Assembly and the 26 provincial assemblies.

However, the process was not without controversy as opposition candidates raised allegations of irregularities, which the electoral commission said would not impact the election outcome.

This election was significant as it marked the second peaceful transfer of power in the country’s history since independence in 1960. In 2018, Tshisekedi ascended to power after winning the election, marking the country’s first peaceful transfer of power since its independence from Belgium.

Nangaa officially announced the formation of the AFC on December 15, 2023, with notable political figures in attendance, including Bertrand Bisimwa, the President of M23. The DRC government has expressed concerns that such an opposition movement was inaugurated in a friendly country, which had played a crucial role in facilitating peace talks for the Congolese in Nairobi.

In response, the DRC government requested an explanation from the Kenyan Ambassador and urged the Kenyan government to apprehend Nangaa, Bisimwa, and other politicians present at the ceremony. President Ruto, however, defended his government’s stance on December 17, 2023, stating that Kenya upholds freedom based on political choices and would not imprison individuals for expressing their opinions.

In a press conference on December 26, Nicolas Kazadi, Congolese Minister of Interior, voiced concerns about the group’s origin in Kenya, emphasizing the international obligations binding member states. Kazadi expressed worry that a friendly country, instrumental in conflict resolution in the east of the DRC, would allow the birth of an armed group threatening the peace and security of their nation.

Kazadi declared that the explanation provided by Kenya was insufficient, and the DRC government demanded more information. He emphasized the importance of understanding why such an event occurred on Kenyan soil.

Following Nangaa’s announcement, his brother, Christophe Baseane Nangaa, the Governor of Haut-Uele province, contacted Kinshasa to provide an explanation. However, Minister Kazadi clarified that he was not personally contacted for this matter. Nangaa did not specify when the military group affiliated with the AFC would commence operations or where it would operate.

The EAC Secretariat issued a statement on December 18, informing stakeholders that the EAC would not physically attend the elections due to the denial of the request by relevant authorities.

Despite this setback, the EAC expressed its commitment to wishing the Government and people of the DR Congo peaceful elections and reiterated its dedication to fulfilling its mandate to all Partner States.

At a press conference in the capital Cairo, the NEA said the turnout reached 66.8 percent of the total 67 million eligible voters.

Voting in Egypt took place on Dec. 10-12, while Egyptians abroad cast their vote from Dec. 1 to Dec. 3 in 121 countries.

Four candidates ran for the presidency, namely Sisi, the Social Democratic Party’s Farid Zahran, Al-Wafd Party’s Abdel-Sanad Yamama, and Hazem Omar from the People’s Republican Party.

The primary objective of this movement is to reform the state and address the root causes of recurrent conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This newly established platform, named the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), has already garnered support from 17 political parties and alliances, along with the endorsement of 267 political figures.

Urging all patriots who advocate for change to join without delay, the AFC aims to save the DRC and institute inclusive governance founded on unity and harmony.

Positioning itself as a credible alternative to the existing regime, widely criticized for ineffectiveness and corruption, the AFC advocates for a radical overhaul of the political and socio-economic system in the DRC.

The AFC asserts its potential to transform the Congolese political landscape, contributing significantly to the democratization of the country and conflict resolution.

On the democratic front, the AFC could play a pivotal role in establishing a fairer and more equitable political system.

Additionally, it may contribute to the promotion of human rights and the fight against corruption.

Concerning conflicts, the AFC aims to address their root causes in the DRC and promote peace and national reconciliation.

However, the AFC is poised to encounter various challenges on its path to success. Gaining the support of the Congolese population and confronting the repression of the current regime are critical hurdles.

While the journey ahead is undoubtedly demanding, the potential impact of the Alliance Fleuve Congo suggests a significant turning point in the political landscape of the DRC.