President Joseph Kabila named former finance minister Matata Ponyo as the new prime minister on Wednesday. Known as a technocrat, Mr. Ponyo oversaw a 7 percent economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2010 and a $12.3 billion debt cancellation. The World Bank said last week it expects the same growth rate in DR Congo for the next two years.

Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito tendered his resignation to President Joseph Kabila on Tuesday. The procedural move will allow President Kabila to form a new government following the Nov. 28 presidential and parliamentary elections, Mr. Muzito told reporters after the meeting.

More than 32 million Congolese voters are set the go to the polls on Monday to elect their president and national Members of Parliament for the next 5 years. after a campaign charged with claims and counterclaims, it’s time for the voices of the Congolese people to be heard.

Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito has sent the government’s 2009 budget proposal to the Parliament. The $4.97 billion spending plan was introduced on Friday, November 27, and represents a 61.8% increase compared to the 2008 budget.