Record Participation in ID Card Registration at Makélékélé
Well before dawn on November 2nd, a steady stream of residents arrived at the Alphonse Massamba-Débat primary school in Makélékélé’s third district. Organizers counted over 1,500 people waiting to register for national identity cards.
This week-long campaign, named “Your Card is a Right,” aims to help eligible voters obtain the document that grants access to civic services and, crucially, voting. The goal is to reach two thousand beneficiaries by week’s end, an ambition deemed realistic given the early turnout.
National ID Card Strengthens Civic Inclusion
In Congo-Brazzaville, the national identity card, or CNI, is essential for voting, opening a bank account, or taking certain exams. It is issued free of charge, but processing delays and travel costs often deter applicants, especially in densely populated neighborhoods like Diata and Château d’Eau.
Ministry of Interior figures show barely sixty percent of adults in Brazzaville possess a valid CNI. Initiatives that simplify registration are therefore seen as vital for inclusive governance and the national goal of peaceful elections with high participation.
Door-to-Door Campaign Mobilizes Voters
The team spent two weeks canvassing streets, hair salons, and taxi stands, equipped with flyers and megaphones. “We emphasized that the card belongs to every citizen, not just political activists,” stated a campaign coordinator.
Volunteers accompanied elderly individuals to the registration site and covered the cost of ID photos when needed. The association also negotiated extended opening hours with the Diata police station, whose officers pre-verified birth certificates to reduce wait times.
Residents Express Relief and Optimism
A 42-year-old market vendor obtained her first CNI after three unsuccessful attempts elsewhere. “This time, the process took twenty minutes. I feel recognized by my country,” she said, holding the temporary receipt exchangeable for the laminated card within thirty days.
Nearby, a student described the card as his “ticket for 2026.” He turned eighteen in July and hopes to vote for the first time. “They showed us that politics starts with paperwork,” he noted, surrounded by classmates.
Partnership with Police Streamlines Processing
At the registration office, an inspector stated that police view this campaign as “community outreach” rather than a political gathering. She emphasized that the database is sent to the national civil registry, ensuring future replacements can be issued anywhere in the republic without repeated verification.
The Ministry of Interior has encouraged partnerships with associations to accelerate ID card coverage ahead of next year’s planned update to the biometric voter registry.
Micro-Economy Benefits from Civic Event
Local tailors, photographers, and snack vendors reported brisk business on launch day. An economist estimated the initiative injected nearly five million CFA francs into Diata’s micro-economy through service purchases and visitor spending, highlighting