Mayoral elections: Call to speed up the publication of the electoral calendar in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, July 14^th, 2025 (CPA).- A call to speed up the publication of the electoral calendar for the elections of burgomasters, mayors and their deputies was launched on Monday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during a press briefing held in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. ‘We call on the INEC to speed up the publication of the electoral calendar for these local elections (elections for burgomasters, mayors and their deputies) in order to ensure better preparation and full participation by citizens,’ said Antoinette Lokomba, president of the Association of Elected Women Municipal Councilors of DRC. On behalf of her colleagues, Ms Lokomba requested an audience with Head of State Felix Tshisekedi in order to directly convey their concrete proposals and expectations for this process. ‘Through this media statement, we are officially requesting an audience with Head of State Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to directly convey our concrete proposals and expectations in this process,’ she said. ‘We also express our gratitude to him for his involvement in our advocacy for the organization of these elections, by instructing the 45th session of the Council of Ministers to complete the electoral cycle,’ she added. ‘The position of municipal councilor was created as a result of his political will and under his mandate, so we want to work closely with him in order to immerse ourselves in his own vision for the grassroots,’ she continued. According to the elected representative of Makala and president of this association, electing a mayor from the municipal council will facilitate the working environment and cohabitation in the management of municipalities. She reaffirmed her willingness to work in a spirit of dialogue, respect for institutions and commitment to democratic principles. Created in August 2024, the Association of Elected Women Municipal Councilors of DRC aims to promote female leadership and the participation of women in decision-making bodies. Its objective is to contribute to female leadership through the common agenda of elected women municipal councilors in DRC.