interim statement
EISA Observer Mission 2006 Presidential second round and Provincial elections elections (continued)

2 Findings of the Mission

After analysing the observations made by its different teams deployed in all the provinces of the DRC, and based on the norms and guidelines enshrined in the PEMMO, the EISA Mission notes the following:

2.1. Civic and voter education
The CEI embarked on countrywide voter and civic education and produced posters and manuals. Faith-based and civil society organisations also conducted workshops and organised a range of activities to ensure that voters were provided with information.
The media also encouraged voters to cast their votes. The Mission however, recommends that voter education be continued and extended to cover a more broad-based civic education programme.

2.2. The Media
The Mission was pleased to note that appropriate caution was being exercised by the different political and media stakeholders. The HAM had extended an invitation to the two presidential candidates to take part in a television debate. However, as there was no consensus on the format and venue of the proposed presidential debate, it was cancelled. Balanced access to coverage by the state-owned media, as well as unrestricted access by some private television channels, has again been the subject of various complaints. The HAM as a regulatory body has been hampered in the discharge of its duties, not for want of trying, but because of inadequate powers and resources. The Mission therefore recommends that the capacity of the HAM be strengthened.

2.3. The campaign process
Due to the high stakes involved in the outcome of the presidential second round, campaigning was essentially conducted around the two presidential candidates and all media attention focused on them. Of particular note were the well covered campaigns of the wives of the two presidential candidates across the country. The Mission noted the concern of the two contesting presidential camps to ensure and maintain a general atmosphere of calm across the country prior to polling day, resulting in an agreement being signed on 27 October.

2.4 The poll
The mission was pleased to note that polling stations were generally structured in a manner that respected the secrecy of the ballot. Voters' lists were displayed and polling and counting procedures were followed. The mission noted that the CEI established 11 000 polling centres with 50 045 polling stations throughout the DRC allowing for between 180 and 600 voters per station, depending on the location of the station.
The presence of security was discreet and not intimidating.
The mission noted that at most centres, party agents and candidates' representatives were present, demonstrating a good representation of existing parties, youth and gender. However, some were reluctant to engage with mission observers. The presence of party agents helped to ensure the transparency of the process and enhanced the credibility of the results.

2.5 The CEI personnel
The mission was pleased to see a marked improvement in the conduct and efficiency of the electoral staff. The Mission noted the increased inclusion of women amongst the electoral staff.
Of particular note was the presence and organisational ability of the Chief du Centre.
Counting was relatively well orchestrated, although completing the various forms still proved a challenge for some members of staff.

2.6 Counting and Compilation
The mission noted that the counting process was generally conducted in an open and transparent manner ensuring that all those present had a clear view of the marked ballot paper. In comparison to the first round Presidential and Legislative elections, the counting process was completed in a shorter time and the electoral staff were more confident and sure of the counting procedure.
The compilation is currently ongoing. So far the mission has noted a marked improvement in the collection of material from polling stations as well as the logistical administration and arrangements for the count. However compilation remains a challenge given the geographic size and inadequate infrastructure of the DRC.

2.7 Gender representation
The mission noted, however, that while the constitutional provision for gender equality exists, this was not reflected in the selection of candidates. Despite the fact that a majority of the registered 25 million voters were women, they were not adequately represented in the nomination of candidates, with only 1531 women out of 13747 candidates contesting provincial elections.
The mission recommends that all stakeholders be encouraged to ensure increased participation of women at all levels.

3 Conclusion

The mission's medium term observers will continue to observe the compilation of the counting process and the announcement of the provisional results.

Other than some isolated incidents, the election took place in a calm atmosphere. On the basis of its observations following the conduct of the poll and the commencement of the count, and using the guidelines enshrined in the PEMMO, the EISA Regional Election Observer Mission concludes that the Presidential second round and Provincial Election were conducted in a manner that allowed the people of the DRC to have free and unhindered access to express their votes. They were provided with reasonable means to do so.

The mission wishes to congratulate the CEI for successfully meeting the challenges of a complex election, and the people of the DRC for the dignified manner in which they exercised their civic rights in these elections, which are so important to the future of the country.

The mission calls on all political contenders to accept the outcome of the electoral process and actively encourage their supporters to follow their example.

Yusuf Aboobaker SC
Mission Leader