Official Position of the United States on Pseudo-Elections in the DRC

Provisional Results of the Presidential Election

in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Press Statement 

Victoria Nuland

Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

December 14, 2011

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The United States continues to follow closely the ongoing electoral process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We have taken note of recent statements issued by international and local observation missions that cite serious irregularities in the electoral process.

Based on the observations of the teams fielded by our Embassy in Kinshasa, the views shared with us by other diplomatic missions, and organizations such as The Carter Center, we believe that the management and technical execution of these elections were seriously flawed, lacked transparency and did not measure up to the democratic gains we have seen in recent African elections. It is not clear, however, whether the irregularities were sufficient to change the outcome of the election.

We encourage the relevant Congolese authorities to closely review these cited irregularities and proceed with maximum openness and transparency.

The United States continues to advocate that all Congolese political leaders and their supporters act responsibly, renounce violence, and resolve any disagreements through peaceful constructive dialogue and existing legal remedies. We believe that a rapid technical review of the electoral process by the Congolese authorities may determine ways to provide more credible results, shed light on whether irregularities were caused by lack of organization or fraud, and provide guidance for future elections. The United States stands ready to provide technical assistance for such a review.

The Government of the DRC remains responsible for providing security for the people of the Congo. Any persons who use violence or incite imminent violence to derail the democratic process must be held accountable.

The United States continues to stand with the Congolese people in their quest to advance peace and democracy in their country.

PRN: 2011/2141