Reception of the first batch of electoral kits by CEI is the lead story in today's local press.

The headlines in L'Observateur read: "The Independent Electoral Commission CEI receives the first batch of the electoral kits;" which the paper refers to as a "decisive step forward towards the elections." For Le Palmarès, the arrival of the electoral kit is "a scathing response to those who have been concocting his removal." "Malu Malu definitely heading for the elections," notes the paper. La Référence Plus quotes the Delegate of the European Commission in DRC, Mr. Carlo de Filipi, as declaring on the occasion of the celebration of the European Day on 9 May, "DRC electoral process is like a reed; it may bent but will never break," reports Le Potentiel.

Le Potentiel holds that "the electoral process must be reviewed in order to break the impasse," and refers to it (the review) as a half way solution between those advocating the talks and those opposed.

La Tempête des Tropiques and Le Phare reports that those advocating talks have been joined by two more presidential candidates, notably Pierre Pay Pay and Pierre Anatole Matusila. CODECO (Convention of Congolese Democrats) has appealed to President Kabila to organise political consultations before 30th June to appease the Congolese people's minds. The Apostolat des Laïcs congolais (DRC Catholic laity has expressed solidarity with the Group of 11 in criticizing Father Malu Malu, the Chairman of CEI.

Local Media also focuses on MONUC's report on the human rights situation in DRC. Le Potentiel writes, "MONUC has made an assessment of the human rights situation in DRC. Le Phare says, "MONUC has accused the DRC armed Forces FARDC," further indicating, "FARDC accused of committing most of the human rights abuses."

L'Avenir devotes its headline to IMF's decision to suspend Government's Economic Program, PEG in the French acronym. The paper also argues that if the economy was entrusted to those who are familiar with the Reinforced Intermediary Programme during the Transition, the PEG would have produced different results. L'Avenir accuses the Ecofin (Economic and Financial Sector of Transition Government led by Vice-President Jean Pierre Bemba. The Post, for its part, "attributes PEG setback to the Government and stakeholders' luxurious mode of living, mainly pointing an accusing finger at the presidential circle's excessive expenses."