Almami Cyllah, IFES’ Regional Director for Africa, was invited to speak at a panel discussion held at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on August 9. The discussion, titled "USG’s Support for Free and Transparent Elections in the DRC" provided insight into the current situation in the Congo, highlighting the instability that has resulted in widespread violence, including sexual violence, in the runup to the planned 2011 presidential and legislative elections.  

Cyllah was part of a panel that also included James F. Entwistle, U.S. Ambassador to the DRC, and David Pottie, Associate Director of the Democracy Program at the Carter Center.

Entwistle discussed the state of play internally for the elections and the role the United States is playing in support of the electoral process to help assure a free and fair election.  Pottie highlighted the Carter Center’s electoral observation initiative planned for the upcoming November elections.  

Cyllah spoke about the significance of the elections, underlining some of the important challenges presented by the security situation in the country. Cyllah also gave five recommendations aimed at ensuring a successful electoral process.  These are:

1. Release the operational plan of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) publicly to demonstrate its legitimacy;
2. Encourage the international community meets its financial obligations to the country and increase its technical support to the electoral process;
3. Create a plan for the post-election period specifically geared toward conflict prevention and mitigation;
4. Consolidate gains made in electoral procedures in advance of elections scheduled for 2012; and
5. Establish and enforce long-term electoral observation to ensure the transparency of the process.

To view C-SPAN's video of the event, click here.