By Emmanuel Nduka
The appointment of the Electoral Chief, Denis Kadima, has attracted opposition from religious groups and other opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Electoral Commission Chief was sworn in last Tuesday by Congo’s Constitutional Court amid controversy over his nomination.
Leading the rejection, Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, during his visit to the neighbouring Congo Brazzaville, said he disagreed with the choice of the head of the electoral commission
President Félix Tshisekedi confirmed the new appointment which was contested by the Catholic Church and Protestants who represent, according to Mr Ambongo, more than 90 percent of the population of the DRC and blamed Mr Kadima for his closeness to the head of state, who has already expressed his intention to run again.
According to political analysts, the appointment of Kadima, who hails from the same Province as the President, could strengthen Tshisekedi’s hand in the next election, but may also undermine the perception of the poll’s integrity and fracture the ruling Sacred Union coalition.
60-year-old Kadima was chosen by six of the eight religious denominations.
Meanwhile, some coalition partners have joined the opposition and religious groups in accusing Tshisekedi of forcing through Kadima’s candidacy.
Leaders from the Catholic and Protestant churches, the most respected officials of Congo’s democracy, have accused Tshisekedi of oppressive drift and called supporters to join a demonstration on November 6.
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