Summary: EU Presidency Statement on new Constitution of Democratic Republic of Congo (22 December 2005: Brussels)
The European Union congratulates the Congolese people, the Independent Electoral Commission and MONUC on the successful holding of a Referendum on the new Congolese constitution on 18 December 2005. Given the formidable logistical challenges with which they were confronted the organisers did a remarkable job, and the Congolese people responded magnificently by voting in large numbers in most parts of the country, in a positive and peaceful atmosphere. This was a landmark day in the history
of the country and its return to democracy.
Results to date suggest a strong endorsement of the draft constitution, underlining the desire of the Congolese people for completion of the transition to full democratic government as soon as possible. The European Union reiterates its strong commitment to help them achieve that goal, and, assuming that a "Yes" vote is confirmed, urges the Government of the DRC and the National Assembly immediately to complete parliamentary consideration and ratification of the draft Electoral Law.
This will maintain the momentum of the political process and ensure that the stipulated timetable in the Global and Inclusive Agreement for completion of the Transition and the holding of elections by 30 June 2006 can be met.
The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.
* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
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