“We reiterate our desire to support the DRCongo and the Democratic-Congolese people towards competitive, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections,” the embassies wrote in their statement, published in particular on social networks.

Besides Portugal, the embassies of Germany, Belgium, Canada, Spain, USA, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Netherlands, UK , Sweden, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and the European Union Union delegation signed the declaration.

“We note the efforts” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to carry out the electoral process, encouraging this commission to be “transparent” and to “dialogue with all interested parties, in order to strengthen the confidence of the Democratic Party- Congolese “. people in the results of those efforts,” they say.

Just over six months before the elections scheduled for December 20 (presidential, legislative, provincial and communal), tensions are beginning to rise, especially after the violent repression of an opposition demonstration in Kinshasa on May 20.

The 16 embassies and the EU delegation underline that the “audit” of the electoral list “has not favored the public perception of an independent and transparent control” and also underline that “the freedom of expression, of press, assembly, association and movement are essential elements of a free, fair and peaceful process such as the rule of law”.

After saying they were “concerned” about “the excessive use of force in response to recent demonstrations, the restrictions imposed on freedom of movement and arbitrary arrests”, the embassies also consider that “all political leaders, so many opposition than the majority, “share the responsibility of ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful”.

To date, more than a dozen personalities have announced their intention to stand in the presidential elections against the outgoing President, Felix Tshisekedi, in power since January 2019 and candidate for re-election.

EL // JH

By Impala News / Lusa

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