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"A comprehensive, collaborative elections resource."
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Congolese hopeful ahead of July 30 vote
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| Contributor | Thomas Walker |
| Last Edited | Thomas Walker Jun 29, 2006 04:16pm |
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| Category | General |
| Media | Website - Yahoo News |
| News Date | Thursday, June 29, 2006 10:15:00 PM UTC0:0 |
| Description | MAMBASA, CONGO - As two hulking white UN helicopters recently descended on this small remote town in eastern Congo's Ituri Province, hundreds of schoolchildren fled their classrooms to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
Heavily armed South African peacekeepers set up a perimeter around the school's soccer field while UN representatives and a music ensemble set up a show to educate the villagers about voting in the country's July 30 election, its first multiparty vote since independence in 1960.
Powered by a portable generator, the band began the midday presentation by singing: "It is the time to vote. It is the time to vote." The crowd clapped along with the rhythm of the music. "Don't vote for someone because they gave you a T-shirt. Don't vote for someone because he is from your tribe, or has given you something to eat, or some money."
Before the show, primary school teacher Kanyere Maombi had no idea how elections were held. "I've never voted before, so I'm very happy," she says.
"If we elect someone who is good for the job, then the Congo can be reconstructed," says Ms. Maombi, whose top priorities are improved roads and better salaries for civil servants.
Across the country, hopes are high. With a price tag of roughly $460 million, largely funded by the international community, elections promise to change the political landscape of a country in which years of conflict have caused close to 4 million deaths. |
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