To encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to abide by constitutional provisions regarding the holding of presidential elections in 2016, with the aim of ensuring a peaceful and orderly democratic transition of power.

To encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to abide by constitutional provisions regarding the holding of presidential elections in 2016, with the aim of ensuring a peaceful and orderly democratic transition of power. Whereas the United States Government has supported and will continue to support the principle that the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (in this resolution referred to as the DRC Whereas the constitution of the DRC requires that elections be held in time for the inauguration of a new president on December 19, 2016, when the current presidential term expires; Whereas, on March 30, 2016, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2277, which called upon the Government of the DRC and its national partners, including the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission), to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process, in fulfillment of their primary responsibility to create propitious conditions for the forthcoming elections scheduled for November 2016 in accordance with the Constitution free, fair, credible, inclusive, transparent, peaceful, and timely electoral process, in accordance with the Congolese constitution Whereas events in the DRC over the last year and a half have called into serious question the commitment of the Government of the DRC to hold such elections on the required timeline, and President Joseph Kabila has not publicly committed to stepping down at the end of his term; Whereas there are 12 presidential elections slated to take place on the continent of Africa by the end of 2017, and what transpires in the DRC will set an important example for the leaders of those countries; and Whereas many observers have expressed concern that failure to move ahead with elections in the DRC could lead to violence and instability inside the DRC, which could reverberate throughout central Africas Great Lakes region: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) urges the Government of the DRC and all other relevant parties to engage in a credible, independently monitored, and technical dialogue to reach consensus on a way forward on establishing a detailed electoral calendar and organizing elections; (2) urges the Government of the DRC to respect the constitution of the DRC and, as constitutionally required, to ensure a free, open, peaceful, and democratic transition of power; (3) expresses its solidarity with the people of the DRC to choose their own government in an atmosphere free of violence, threats, and intimidation by the government or other parties, including the release of Fred Bauma and Yves Makwambala; (4) commits to maintain vigilance and scrutiny of the electoral process in the DRC, to help ensure that all United States Government activities contribute fully and robustly to the above-mentioned objectives; and (5) pledges to examine continuously the use of all available and appropriate means to ensure these objectives, including the imposition of targeted sanctions on individuals or entities responsible for violence and human rights violations and undermining democratic processes in the DRC.

Summary: Expresses concern with respect to the failure of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to take actions required to hold elections in November 2016 as required by its Constitution. Recognizes that impunity and lack of effective rule of law undermine democracy and that the arrest and detention of civil society activists and the harassment of political opponents close political space and repress peaceful dissent. Reaffirms support for democracy and good governance in sub-Saharan Africa. Calls on the DRC government and all other parties to respect the Constitution of the DRC and ensure a free, open, peaceful, and democratic transition of power. Urges such government to demonstrate leadership and commitment to elections by accelerating concrete steps towards holding elections, including registering voters and protecting partisan political speech and activities. Encourages such government and all other relevant parties to engage in a focused discussion to advance the electoral process and reach consensus on the way forward by establishing a detailed electoral calendar for all elections and enabling the candidate selection and campaign process. Urges the President of the United States, in close coordination with regional and international partners, to: continuously verify that such necessary technical dialogue occurs and proceeds in a time and manner required to ensure the conduct of timely elections; use appropriate means to ensure the objectives of this resolution, which may include imposition of additional targeted sanctions on individuals or entities responsible for violence and human rights violations and undermining democratic processes in the DRC; and continue U.S. policy with respect to providing support for the organizing of free, fair, and peaceful national elections.