According to its annual report, the Congolese electoral commission received only half of its requested budget for 2025, forcing it to postpone certain elections. It must also contend with aging infrastructure, Africa Intelligence reported.
According to the annual report presented to the National Assembly, the CENI had requested a provisional budget of $106.9 million for 2025, but the government has disbursed only $53 million. This 50% funding shortfall has led to the following critical consequences for the democratic process in the DRC:
Suspension of electoral operations
The impossibility of organizing partial elections in conflict zones (Masisi, Rutshuru, Kwamouth). This indefinite postponement of municipal elections (municipal councilors, burgomasters, and mayors). Initially scheduled for October and November 2025, these elections could not be held due to a lack of funding. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) indicated that it was only able to organize limited indirect elections in certain regions, such as the provinces of Kwilu and Ubangi-Shari North, while larger-scale municipal democratic reforms remain stalled, paralyzing the initially planned timetable for stabilizing local democracy.
Massive operational debts
The accumulation of unpaid bills to logistics suppliers and temporary staff.
Deterioration of equipment
The inability to maintain voter registration kits and electronic voting devices.
Risk of political instability
Growing uncertainty is undermining stakeholder confidence in the institution. Denis Kadima warned that without an immediate budget increase and adherence to disbursements, the very integrity of the remaining electoral cycle is compromised.
Redaction
