| 2006 election missions report |
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A total of 10 MPs and Peers took part in the APPG election monitoring missions to both the first and second rounds of the 2006 presidential, parliamentary and provincial elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The bottom-line conclusion of both missions was that in the areas where the APPG was present the election process was fundamentally sound. There were concerns over a number of procedural issues in the July ballot especially, but these concerns were relatively minor with the exception of a number of organisational issues with the compilation centres in the first round, and these were such that they would have been serious above all if it became necessary to reconstruct individual results from poorly-archived ballot papers. Overall, the observers were deeply struck by the dedication of voters and election staff and the concern shown for the proper conduct of the vote. The APPG congratulates the Congolese people on a remarkable and historic achievement. During both monitoring missions the APPG had a substantial number of meetings and site visits outside of the election process. Among the most important issues raised were:· The elections are only one element of democratic accountability. It is essential that the same dedication, concern, and international engagement be applied to all aspects of democratic governance. In particular, the UK should support the DRC parliament, civil society and justice system, and put in place capacity-building measures. · The enormous humanitarian and developmental challenge facing the country remains almost untouched after the transition. International engagement should strengthen rather than diminish under the new government. Similarly, there should be no over-hasty winding down of the MONUC mission. · The importance of disarmament and security sector reform. · The need to improve governance and tackle corruption, especially in relation to natural resources (including both minerals and the Congo basin forests). Foreign investment must be encouraged, but it must benefit the Congolese people.· The especially vulnerable position of women and children, including street children The full report of the monitoring missions is available here. |
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