In its full council meeting last July 8, 2013, the RDC-CAR approved a procedure for the nomination and election of its Chairperson and Co-chairperson.

In anticipation of the need to elect its new set of officials, the RDC ruled that that nominations “in absentia” may be allowed especially in circumstances where absence of the RDC member concerned is unavoidable.

However, the nominating party must first inform the nominee and the Secretariat of the nomination prior to the election proper and that the nominee accepts or confirms the nomination by notifying the Secretariat in writing prior to the scheduled election.

The RDC also ruled that the election will be through secret balloting rather than viva voce which traditionally has been the manner of election of RDC officials. This procedure gives a member the right to vote secretly and not being influenced by the vote of the others.