MONUSCO calls on INEC to address electoral observer missions’ concerns

12 Dec 2011

MONUSCO calls on INEC to address electoral observer missions’ concerns

Kinshasa, 12 December 2011: The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) takes note of the statements issued respectively by the Carter Center International Election Observation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 10 December, 2011 and other observer missions regarding the preliminary presidential election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on 9 December.
MONUSCO notes with deep concern the findings of these observer missions relating to the significant irregularities in the management of the results process, in particular the counting and tabulation of the votes.

MONUSCO strongly urges the INEC to undertake a timely and rigorous review of the issues identified by observer missions with the full participation of witnesses and observers, including foreign observer groups, who may offer to provide technical advice in this regard.
MONUSCO calls upon the INEC to ensure that all counting, compilation, and verification operations underway to determine the results of National Assembly elections are conducted in a fully transparent manner. Furthermore, in order to avoid the problems identified in relation to the presidential election, MONUSCO also calls upon INEC to take corrective measures for future elections.
MONUSCO emphasizes the need for the parties to settle all election disputes by peaceful means through established institutions, including the National Mediation Committee, and underscores the importance of thorough and transparent handling by the Supreme Court of Justice of all formal challenges.

MONUSCO reiterates its call to all political actors to desist from incitement to violence and confrontation. MONUSCO urges the state security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and comply with international human rights law in dealing with public demonstrations, and to respect the rights of all citizens, including supporters of political parties and candidates, to life, physical integrity, and freedom of assembly and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.