Congo-Kinshasa: DRC Court Clears Path to Change a Constitution That Says It Can't Be Changed
The law would let the president amend the constitution after a declared state dysfunction, while critics warn it could weaken two-term limits.
- On Tuesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitutional Court approved a referendum law allowing the president to amend the Constitution in the event of "major dysfunction" of state institutions, raising concerns President Felix Tshisekedi could pursue a third term.
- Under the current Constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms, with Tshisekedi's mandate ending in 2028; he maintained he has "not sought a third term" but stated in May he would accept one if requested.
- Following a consultation on Wednesday, the opposition coalition C64 denounced the ruling as "high treason," reaffirming opposition to any revision of the Constitution that could alter presidential limits.
- Amid ongoing fighting with the Rwanda-backed M23 group, voting remains uncertain in eastern regions, while Dieudonne Bolengetenge, Secretary-General of Katumbi's party, warned the ruling "paves the way for the balkanization of the Republic."
- The opposition is urging a national dialogue to begin before August 15, while an Ebuteli institute survey found more than 80 percent of the Congolese hold a favourable opinion of the president.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Congo-Kinshasa: DRC Court Clears Path to Change a Constitution That Says It Can't Be Changed
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Constitutional Court has approved a referendum law that critics say could pave the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office, prompting a coalition of opposition parties to reject the ruling and vow to fight the change.
We open this news report in the DRC, where the opposition coalition C64 has just issued a statement strongly criticizing the Constitutional Court, while also calling on the Congolese people to attend a referendum on August 15th. This statement comes the day after the Constitutional Court validated the referendum law that could pave the way for a third term for President Félix Tshisekedi.
The Constitutional Court approved this Tuesday the law that organizes the referendum. Hands free! Félix Tshiseked, the President of the Republic...
DR Congo court approves referendum law, fueling third-term debate
The opposition has strongly criticized the reform, arguing that it could undermine constitutional safeguards. The debate comes as the country faces mounting security challenges, including renewed fighting with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group in the east and a growing Ebola outbreak.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the highest judicial body finds the law opening the way for a constitutional referendum in conformity with the Constitution. Félix Tshisekedi could run for a third term as early as 2028.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the law on the organization of a referendum, passed in June by the Parliament, was declared constitutionally compliant by the Constitutional Court on Tuesday...
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