BRIEFING NOTES ON THE DRC: JUNE 2006

Introduction
1. The political transition in the DRC has reached a crucial stage. The promulgation of the new constitution endorsed by 84% of the population in a successful referendum held in December 2005 and the adoption and promulgation of an electoral law paved the way for the historic elections that will hopefully transform the country into a democracy.

2. The DRC Independent Electoral Commission finally announced on 30 April 2006 that the country's landmark elections would be held on 30 July 2006. The election campaign is scheduled to start from 29 June to 28 July 2006 while the accreditation of observers would begin from 1 June to 22 July 2006. The new constitution promulgated in February 2006 stipulates in Article 222 that the transitional institutions remain in force until the effective installation of the corresponding institutions foreseen by the Constitution, suggesting that such election delays are legally possible and therefore constitutional.

Electoral Process

3. A total of thirty-three (33) presidential candidates have registered for the elections. These include the prominent candidates such as the incumbent President Kabila, and three of the four Vice Presidents, Ruberwa, Bemba and Ngoma.

4. The UDPS led by Mr Tshisekedi has decided to boycott the elections alleging that basic conditions for a transparent vote had not been met. Mr Tshisekedi's decision
to stay out of the elections might have consequences to the continued existence of UDPS.

5. There are a number of less prominent candidates standing as presidential candidates. This may have an impact on the outcome of the elections. If no candidate wins 51 % of the vote in the first round of elections then a second round would have to be organised.

6. South Africa has been selected by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to print the DRC presidential and legislative ballot papers for both rounds of elections. According to the Agreement, the UNDP shall pay for the printing of the ballot papers whereas the government of South Africa shall be responsible for the purchase of the print paper and the transportation of the ballots to fourteen (14) hubs in the DRC. In addition, South Africa will pay for the storage of the ballot papers inside South Africa as well as deployment of IEC technical experts, which now numbers 168 from 300 experts originally requested.

7. The South African Government will be deploying a 128-member National Observer Team to observe the DRC elections. The Observer Team would consist of people from civic organisations, government officials and individuals who have previous observation experience.

Security Situation in DRC

8. Security particularly in the eastern side of the country is a major concern. The Transitional Government has intensified its planning and operation to forcibly disarm and repatriate Rwandan and Ugandan armed groups in the DRC. The support of the international community is essential in permanently solving the problem of illegal armed forces operating in the north-eastern DRC.

9. The DRC's national army as it stands does not seem to be in a position to provide security throughout the territory. Part of the problem is a lack of resources for the integrated army units and a general lack of basic necessities including uniforms, lack of military equipment and overcrowding.

10. However, MONUC is assisting the national army to contain the security situation in the country particularly in the east. The success of this exercise depends on the co­operation of the neighbouring countries particularly, Rwanda, Uganda and Sudan. As the electoral process proceeds, the international community will need to address key issues to ensure the credibility of the process. The most important of which include co-ordinated financial and logistical support for electoral operations; the creation of security through increased attention to and provision of resources for military and police integration; and ensuring that the political environment is free of intimidation during the campaigning and voting stages of the process.

11. It is also important to mention that the European Union has decided to deploy a German/French led EU Peacekeeping Force of 1400 troops to the DRC to bolster security during the elections. Only about 400-4jO troops will apparently be based in the DRC while the rest will be based outside of the DRC, in Gabon, as a rapid deployment force should there be violence during the elections.

Conclusion

12. Despite the security concerns particularly in the East of the country, it is generally believed that elections can take place. The main priority in the DRC transition process should be to assist and capacitate the new national army. The support of the international community is essential in permanently solving the problem of illegal armed forces operating in the north-eastern DRC.

13. At a political level, that is preparation for elections, the transitional process seems to be irreversible. The election date has been announced (30 July 2006). Most of the political parties have registered to participate in the elections except UDPS of Mr Tshisekedi. However, Mr Tshisekedi's UDPS might use the missed date to hold elections before 30 June as stipulated by the interim constitution as a rallying point to organise demonstrations in an attempt to upset the process. Other groups especially those anticipating poor electoral results might decide to join. Some parties have called for negotiations to reopen prior to any elections being held. However, the Government and the Electoral Commission have rejected this.

14. The continued support of the international community of which South Africa is an integral part remains critical to ensuring a smooth movement to a democratic dispensation in the DRC.