Kinshasa, 8 April 2011 – It is important to note that successful elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) would undoubtedly reinforce democratic institutions and practices while promoting economic growth. Anything less would most likely lead to violence, polarize public opinion, and undermine public confidence in the electoral and political process.

With this in mind, the National Independent Electoral Commission and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) felt it was necessary to organize a space for dialogue coined "Symposium on Creating an Environment Conducive to Peaceful Elections in the DRC." The meeting will take place in Kinshasa between 11 and 12 April.

The two-day symposium is designed to bring together some 60 participants from the National Independent Electoral Commission, all political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and security forces.

Through these exchanges, the meeting will try to identify the challenges the Congolese authorities will have to overcome in securing credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections.

MONUSCO will participate in these exchanges, thereby hoping to contribute to the search of a process, which is conducive for peaceful elections across the country.

It is expected that these discussions and exchanges will yield some recommendations and proposals that could translate into action points and commitment on the part of all stakeholders to ensure free, transparent and peaceful elections.