Electoral Promises in Democratic Republic of Congo:Hope, Anxiety and Ethical Responsibility
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47900/hj7gpp43Keywords:
Promise, Election, Commitment, Propaganda, DemagogyAbstract
Promises are integral to political life, functioning as moral commitments that shape trust and public hope. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, electoral promises often generate both expectation and anxiety, as they are frequently unrealistic, unfulfilled, or employed strategically without sincere commitment. In a context marked by insecurity, poverty, injustice, and institutional fragility, citizens long for social transformation, the rule of law, and political stability, yet remain skeptical of political discourse. This article examines electoral promises as ethically significant speech acts by drawing on John Searle’s theory of promising. Through philosophical and ethical analysis, the study argues that electoral promises carry moral responsibility and should be evaluated not merely as political rhetoric but as commitments affecting the common good. From an ethical–theological perspective, the article highlights sincerity, responsibility, and accountability as essential conditions for restoring trust and integrity in political life in the Congolese context.
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