One of the problems is the lurking resistance of the former combatants: resistance to relinquishing the wealth and power structures they acquired as the spoils of war. These structures are the primary stumbling block to the formation of a new, unified army and present problems for any political administration of the country.

In the east of the country, attacks still take place by all sorts of armed groups. The voluntary disarmament is not going smoothly, and militias continue to fight amongst themselves despite the presence of UN peacekeeping force MONUC. The presence of Rwandan Hutu rebels from the FDLR presents an additional threat. The FDLR is led by people who were involved in the genocide in Rwanda.

Polling station during the referendum (photo: AP)

Other obstacles or threats include:


Ethnic violence

The political parties do not have any notable programme or organisation. There is a good chance that politicians will appeal to ethnic sentiments during their campaign. There is a serious risk that ethnic-based campaigning will provoke violence, particularly in the provinces of Kivu and Katanga.


Election supervision

Representatives from political parties will be the most important supervisors. The Congolese police are not yet capable of carrying out these duties. There are still many civil servants in the local administration that were originally appointed by one of the rebel groups and are still loyal to that group. This presents a risk that they will intimidate the voters.


Corruption

Corruption is so widespread that it may in itself present a threat to the elections. Large-scale embezzlement causes civil servants and soldiers to be paid irregularly or not at all.

Since January 2006, the Congolese soldiers are paid entirely by foreign countries. Because the funds were embezzled by the Congolese government, the CIAT has even taken charge of the payment process and the distribution of the rations.

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