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UN, regional agencies urge successful elections in DRC

Xinhua, February 17, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations and three regional organizations on Tuesday urged all Congolese political actors to "to ensure the successful holding of elections" in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The appeal was made in a joint statement issued by the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF).

They are following closely the situation in the DRC, particularly in view of the upcoming elections in the war-torn country.

"The four partner organisations underline the crucial importance of these elections, whose peaceful, transparent, smooth and timely conduct would greatly contribute to consolidating the progress made in the DRC for more than a decade," said the statement.

"They urge all Congolese political actors to spare no effort, within the framework of the country's Constitution, to ensure the successful holding of elections, preserve peace and deepen democracy, including through a political process."

"The four organisations underscore the importance of dialogue and the search for an agreement between political actors that is respectful of democracy and the rule of law," the statement said.

Recalling the appointment by the AU of Edem Kodjo as special envoy to undertake consultations on the envisaged dialogue in the DRC, the four partner organisations urged all Congolese political actors to extend him their full cooperation, the statement said.

They recalled that the decision by the AU and the efforts of the special envoy on the ground fall within the framework of the relevant instruments of the AU, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, it said.

The four partner organisations commit to closely coordinating their efforts in the DRC, in accordance with their principles and values, with particular regard to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, it added.

Presidential elections will be held in November 2016 in the DRC, where the polls were repeatedly delayed due to a political crisis over the timetable for the voting event. Endit