ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, November 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Following the conclusion of the Presidential and Parliamentary elections held on 28 November 2011 an in-depth discussion took place between the above mentioned observer Missions. In view of the July 2002 Durban OAU Declaration on The Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, the Missions agreed on the following joint Declaration:

“The African Observer Missions to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Economic Community of the Central African States (ECCAS), Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA):

1. Hail the Congolese people's determination to hold the second democratic elections on 28 November 2011, as this will consolidate peace, enhance national reconciliation, boost the democratic process and lay the foundation for lasting peace, economic and social development;

2. Further appreciate the will, enthusiasm and large turn out by the Congolese people during the elections;

3. Welcomes the successful holding of the elections despite the numerous challenges which the country is confronted with and have note the technical and logistical challenges that over shadowed the holding of the elections;

4. Welcome the efforts made to help the Congolese people to freely exercise their right to vote;

5. Regret some isolated acts of violence during the elections;

6. Appeal to all the Congolese Political stakeholders to continue to show a high sense of responsibility by accepting the outcome of the polls, and should there be any dispute due legal processes should be pursued;

7. Welcome the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among themselves while observing the current elections and strongly urge all the stakeholders including the partners to contribute meaningfully to the democratic process in the DRC.

8. Further appreciate the will, enthusiasm and large turn out by the Congolese people during the elections;

9. Welcome the efforts made to help the Congolese people to freely exercise their right to vote;

10. Regret some isolated acts of violence during the elections;

11. Appeal to all the Congolese Political stakeholders to continue to show a high sense of responsibility by accepting the outcome of the polls, and should there be any dispute due legal processes should be pursued;

12. Welcome the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among themselves while observing the current elections and strongly urge all the stakeholders including the partners to contribute meaningfully to the democratic process in the DRC.

Done on 30 November 2011 in Kinshasa

Head of AUEOM : Mr. Moctar Ouane

Head of SEOM : Hon. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula

Head of ECCAs : Dr. Pierre Simeon Athomo Ndong

Head of COMESA :

Head of ICGLR : Hon. Dr. Yves Sahinguvu