FORMER CONGOLESE VICE PRESIDENT INSISTS ON ELECTORAL REFORMS

In a written statement former Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba said that electoral reforms in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was not an option.

This message was conveyed by the Secretary General of his party Eve Bazaiba, during an organised high level political forum under the theme "Efficient Electoral Reform in the DRC" , held in Kinshasa.

According to Jean-Pierre Bemba, implementing electoral reforms was the main condition for the country's revival , the restoration of confidence among the population and for Congo to regain its position at the Concert of Nations.

Bemba further argued that, in today's era Congo should no longer be debating about holding free, fair and transparent elections; and instead the focus should have moved towards  finding  solutions on how to emerge the country so that it's on track to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal.

The forum which was orgarnised by the Africa-Caribbean Political Support Center, based at the University of Liege (Belgium), received a backlash from major political parties in Kinshasa.
 The political party  of former President Joseph Kabila, which still holds strong influence with their Parliamentary majority ,  refused to recognised such  forum being  discussed outside the institutions of the state, calling it a joke.

Even UDPS , the political party of current Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, snubbed the 5 days event.