The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the monitoring of elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The resolution was tabled by the ECR, ALDE, EPP, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL and S&D groups.

It notes that the European Union's Election Observation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has concluded in its final report that the electoral process was marred by a lack of transparency and credibility due to the numerous irregularities and cases of fraud detected. The EU EOM in the DRC has drawn up 22 recommendations for the Congolese authorities aimed at essential measures for improving the transparency and credibility of elections that are technically feasible before the forthcoming provincial and local elections. Despite shortcomings identified by the Congolese authorities themselves and by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Supreme Court of Justice of the DRC confirmed the definitive results of both elections and, on 16 December 2011, proclaimed the incumbent, Joseph Kabila, President re-elect. Parliament notes also that the situation as regards the democratisation process in the DRC continues to give cause for concern, given that politically motivated human rights violations increased in the run-up to the presidential elections.

Members recall that the EU financial contribution to these elections amounts to EUR 47.5 million, with an additional EUR 2 million for security. They encourage the Commission and Member States to make the Union's financial contribution to the electoral process in the DRC dependent upon the effective implementation of the recommendations of the EU EOM.

They welcome the fact that the Congolese people turned out in large numbers for the presidential and parliamentary elections of November 2011, thereby demonstrating their deep attachment to the building of a genuine democracy in the DRC. Parliament encourages the government to initiate a political dialogue with all parties, including the opposition forces and civil society, and emphasises the importance of setting up a Constitutional Court that will ensure more transparency in the electoral process.

Parliament reiterates its finding that the INEC has failed and recommends fundamental reforms in several areas after its composition has been revised. It calls on the INEC to present an organisational plan and a budgetary plan, which outline clearly how the forthcoming elections will be organized, and for these plans to be submitted to all the political parties and to civil society for approval.

It stresses the crucial role of Congolese civil society and calls on the EU to assist Congolese NGOs in increasing voter awareness and monitoring elections at home. Members urge also that the High Council for Audiovisual and Communications (CSAC) be allowed to operate effectively and efficiently so as to ensure that the principle of equal media coverage for all candidates in the elections is respected, noting that it was unable to ensure that the principle was respected before the elections.

Parliament goes on strongly to condemn the deplorable violence and violations of fundamental rights during the elections and calls upon the Congolese authorities to make every effort to hold the necessary investigations to find the perpetrators. It emphasises that no significant progress has been made in criminal investigations into human rights violations, in particular mass rape and that the judiciary has remained largely unable to dispense justice and offer compensation to the victims. The current DRC Government is asked to step up its domestic efforts to enforce the rule of law and ensure the security of the Congolese people throughout the country. Members invite the Prime Minister, as the government member responsible for public finances, to ensure that the highest financial management standards and sound budgetary procedures become the norm in the policy-making decisions of the DRC Government.

The resolution calls on the Congolese Parliament to be involved in the work of monitoring the mining sector and for consideration to be given to holding an independent inquiry with a view to ensuring that the sector conducts its activities in a transparent manner.

Lastly, Parliament supports the creation of the post of Special Rapporteur for the DRC to the Human Rights Council and the renewal of Monusco's mandate ( United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC ) in order to protect the civilian population.