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.