UN mission reiterates support for DR Congo’s electoral body

The UN mission’s statement was issued in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) capital just two days after the resignation of CENI president Apollinaire Malu Malu due to health reasons.

“We have the mandate of the UN Security Council to support CENI and this is why we are reiterating our support to the future office of this institution which we hope will be set up soon,” said Charles Bambara, MONUSCO’s public information director.

He said MONUSCO’s position had not changed with regards to its support for CENI, and insisted that cooperation between the two entities will continue.

Bambara noted that MONUSCO’s call for clarification of the electoral timetable to guarantee credible and transparent elections with the support of the international community remains imperative.

“We urge the forthcoming CENI office to remain independent as the case was during the reign of Malu Malu to ensure future elections are free and fair,” he said.

“Our priority remains the 2016 presidential and legislative elections,” the MONUSCO spokesman said.

The CENI president resigned from his post last Saturday due to health reasons and Bambara confirmed that the UN agency had been monitoring his health status for some days. Enditem

Source: Xinhua