Congo’s electoral reform process will pose challenges

Significance

After three successive electoral cycles (2006, 2011 and 2018) of decreasing legitimacy, one of the most sensitive issues on the new government’s agenda is electoral reform.

Impacts

• The electoral reform debate may also strain the government’s relations with civil society actors whose support it needs in other domains.
• International partners will likely encourage electoral reforms but urge respect of the 2023 deadline for the next elections.
• Having senators and governors elected by popular vote could reduce corruption risks without greatly complicating the electoral format.