The Social Democratic Front (SDF) has formally challenged the candidacy of Serge Espoir Matomba, leader of the opposition PURS party, accusing him of unlawfully using the raised fist symbol on his ballot paper.
In its petition to the Constitutional Council, the SDF argues that the emblem, a lifted hand has long been associated with the party since its creation and is therefore part of its political identity. The case is scheduled for examination on Thursday.
Emblem of PURS Presidential Candidate Serge Espoir Matomba.Party officials maintain that the similarity could confuse voters, particularly in rural areas where symbols are often more decisive than names on the ballot. “Most mothers in the village know the lifted hand as belonging to the SDF,” one source close to the party explained.
“Seeing it beside another candidate’s name on election day risks misleading voters.”
The controversy has injected fresh tension into an already charged pre-electoral atmosphere.
Emblem of SDF Presidential Candidate Osih Joshua.Analysts note that ballot symbols are not merely decorative but serve as critical identifiers, especially for voters with limited literacy. Any dispute over their ownership could thus carry significant electoral implications.
For Serge Espoir Matomba and his PURS supporters, the objection presents a potential setback just days before the polls. For the SDF, it is both a defence of its political heritage and a strategic move to prevent confusion at the ballot box.
The Constitutional Council’s decision on the matter will not only clarify the use of political symbols but could also set an important precedent for future elections.
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