President Félix Tshisekedi has signed a law setting out how constitutional changes could be put to a referendum in the Democratic Republic of Congo. T
President Félix Tshisekedi has signed a law setting out how constitutional changes could be put to a referendum in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The law was signed on Monday and announced on state television late on Tuesday.
It sets out how a new constitution could be drafted and put to a vote, and how existing provisions could be amended. Parliament approved the legislation last month, and it has drawn protests and criticism from opposition figures.
Critics fear the law could be used to extend Tshisekedi’s stay in power. They say a referendum could scrap the two-term presidential limit and change the length of presidential terms, both of which parliament cannot revise under the current constitution.
The opposition accuses him of trying to remain in office beyond the end of his second term in 2028. Opposition parties have joined forces in recent months to resist any attempt to change the constitution. The law itself makes no mention of a third term, and the government has not said it is intended for that purpose.
Tshisekedi has denied seeking a third term, but said at a rare news conference in May that he would accept one if the people wanted it. No date has been announced for a referendum.
He also said in May that elections due in late 2028 might not go ahead as scheduled if the conflict in eastern DRC continues and parts of North and South Kivu remain under rebel control. Whether the opposition will challenge the law, in court or on the streets, is the next question.
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