Financing and independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2006 and 2011 elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

The question of legitimacy of the leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been in the headlines for more than a decade. Thus, a democracy support institution, which is the CENI, was set up and consecrated by the constitution of February 18, 2006 to ensure the neutrality of the electoral process. This commission was perceived by the population as a real opportunity that could not only allow the country to emerge from its crisis, but also ensure the organization of free, transparent and democratic elections ; with a heavy responsibility for ensuring sound and transparent management of the funds allocated to electoral operations. It is thus demonstrated that external financing has compromised its independence, leading to parallel administration and contested elections. This finding raises questions about the impact of financing on its independence and the main areas of expenditure. Logistic challenges and internal and external financial controls are factors that have hindered its operations.