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The Republic of Congo Faces Another Round of Elections in Less Than Perfect Conditions

By Kristina Mello

July 20, 2007

The first round of legislative elections in the Republic of the Congo (ROC) was held on June 24th in order to choose 137 deputies for the National Assembly. However, the final outcome may be compromised due to extreme chaos and malpractice.

According to observers from the African Union and Economic Community of Central African States, polling stations opened late and voter registers and ballot papers were not available in many polling stations. Although security had improved at the elections and those who voted were not intimidated, local observers were still very disappointed by the poor organization which conducted the polls. Most polling stations did not open until long after the scheduled time of seven in the morning. This happened most likely because of delays in the distribution of electoral materials. In some areas voters were moving from one polling center to another searching for their names, many of which could not be found on the voters’ roll. In addition, no census had been conducted prior to the elections, which led to many voters not being registered. Some names were added manually to voter lists, which angered other voters. Some citizens feel the situation was designed to suit certain candidates, and therefore eliminating names of those who would have been most likely to vote for opposing candidates. The citizens’ concerns are warranted by the fact that the commission members were nominated by the President, indicating that the commission’s goal is to secure President Dennis Sassou-Nguesso's 23-year-old hold on power. This is also one of the main concerns raised by the many political parties that boycotted the poll [1].

Voters returned to the polls on Sunday July 8th for a second attempt at the first round of elections which were tainted by chaos. Problems persisted and many voters still could not find their names on the lists or did not receive their voting cards. There was little, if any, improvement. It is expected that the governing party, which held 115 seats in the outgoing 137-seat National Assembly, will retain its absolute majority in the elections, following a second round of voting set for July 22 [2].

It is clear that increased security is necessary to ensure a free and fair election process to be carried out, not only in terms of violence control but also in monitoring the process is carried out properly. It is likely that surveillance from a neutral group will be necessary and most effective, and the IIJD recommends members of the African Union or the Economic Community of Central African States, particularly because they were direct observers of the malpractice and disorganization. Aid from other neutral groups is welcomed, however, and is not limited to the AU and ECCAS. A fair and proper election process is crucial because other opposition parties need a fair chance at election, unlike previous elections where they have been compromised somehow. It is still possible to have a fair election process, and the Congolese authorities should try to improve conditions for the second round of elections set for July 22.