For South Africa to maintain credibility as a principled voice in international debate, Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane needs to speak out against the flawed electoral process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This is a necessary step as South Africa continues to position itself as the leading advocate for African issues in the international arena.

Today, I will write to the Minister to call on her to urgently clarify DIRCO’s position and what steps will be taken to ensure that the outcome of the election reflects the will of the people.

Despite independent observers deeming November’s presidential election seriously flawed, South Africa has joined the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) in urging candidates to accept the outcome of the “successful” election.

Our credibility is being serious questioned by the Congolese community in South Africa, who allege that our government is turning a blind eye to electoral irregularities and human rights abuses in the DRC to protect the business interests of ANC allies – including President Zuma’s nephew Khulubuse Zuma.

Yesterday, the electoral commission in the DRC delayed the announcement of the results from the November 2011 parliamentary polls “until further notice”.

Even as opposition parties and observer groups protest the vote counting and unacceptable delays in the results announcement, the Minister continues to remain silent on South Africa’s position.

Our failure to take a stand on the DRC elections creates the impression that, under our leadership, the bar for democracy and human rights in Africa will not be set particularly high.

Our advocacy is especially important given the DIRCO campaigns for Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma to head the AU and the promotion of South Africa as the candidate for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council.

South Africa has to send a strong message that the protection and promotion of democracy will be paramount in its leadership of the continent. A principled stance on the DRC would support that message.