EISA-DRC

In February 2004, EISA established a field office in the DRC capital, Kinshasa, with the primary objective of contributing to the efforts toward a smooth and peaceful political transition, culminating in the holding of credible and legitimate elections in the DRC. In the post election period, EISA is implenting activities in support of the project Deepening Democracy, Peace & Governance in Post-Election DRC, 2008-2011.

EISA was active in the DRC long before the establishment of its field office in Kinshasa, working with a range of role-players since 1998. More recently, the organisation established strong links with several civil society organisations. Political parties have requested the organisation's technical support in various areas. EISA has also consulted with the donor community in Kinshasa and with the government of the DRC, providing advice, technical suport and training in the field of election-related conflict resolution over the pre-, during and post-election phases during the recent historic elections in the DRC in 2006.

EISA DRC & the recent elections

EISA has supported the missions of the two Chambers of Parliament, namely the Senate and the National Assembly, to design the constitutional and legal framework for the DRC. In addition, EISA works closely with the Independent Electoral Commission, political parties and various civil society organisations, which are obviously key players in the ongoing process.

The support provided to the transitional parliament was a key aspect of EISA's work in the DRC prior to the recent elections. The Senate was responsible for the design and the adoption of the Constitution while the National Assembly was entrusted with elaborating and adopting laws, including the electoral law and the law on nationality. EISA established strong working relationships with the two Chambers of Parliament. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 3 July 2004 by the President of the Senate and the EISA-DRC Country Director, Vincent Tohbi, in order to formalise the Senate-EISA partnership and delineate the nature of the collaboration. EISA has also provided extensive training and support to political parties, the electoral commission, domestic observers, political parties and civil society both before, during and after the extensive election period of 2005-2006.