Mbandaka, 6 July 2011 – As elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) draw nearer, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) continues to contribute various forms of assistance to the Government and the Congolese people. In this respect, MONUSCO Office in Equateur province, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held a two-day seminar on 6 July to boost women's moral, and provide them with the necessary tools for an effective participation in the upcoming elections. MONUSCO's mandate was recently extended for a year to end on 30 June 2012.

About a hundred female leaders representing various movements and associations in Mbandaka attended the seminar, which took place at the headquarters of the Equateur Women's Association.

MONUSCO's head of Gender division in Equateur urged the participants to be more creative and proactive as they prepare for the upcoming elections. The organizers of the seminar told the women that if they intend to beat their 2006 elections record, they should be more forthright in their approach, and demonstrate a greater sense of responsibility.

For two days, the women leaders were taught about the notions of Good Governance, Gender and Elections. Participants were also told to act as the custodians of the electoral process, and stand up against any attempts to create hatred, which will inevitably contribute towards dividing the country along tribal lines.

The country's registration operations officially ended all over the country on 10 July 2011 except in Kinshasa where it was extended till June 15. A total of 3,770,000 prospective voters registered, which, according to the INEC's forecast, represents 105 per cent.

Jean-Tobie Okala/ MONUSCO