Leila Zerrougui, the head of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo MONUSCO, says confidence and consensus around key issues are still required ahead of this year’s presidential and legislative elections.

Updating the UN Security Council on the latest developments in the DRC on Monday, Zerrougui said key concerns persisted ahead of the December vote which will mark the first peaceful transfer of power in the country.

These included disputes over the eligibility of candidates, the use of voting machines, women’s participation, targeting of political activists and human rights defenders, insecurity, and the perceived credibility of the electoral process.

“It is also imperative that respect for fundamental rights and freedoms is assured throughout the territory of the DRC in a consistent manner, so that all Congolese citizens can participate freely and fairly in all stages of the electoral process moving forward,” she said via videoconference from the capital, Kinshasa.

“A failure to allow for political engagement and participation as foreseen by the Congolese constitution, could jeopardise the peaceful nature and the credibility of the polls.”

MONUSCO is providing technical support for the elections, which are set to take place on 23 December.