DRC Court Clears Path for Constitutional Referendum

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Constitutional Court has approved a legal proposal that could pave the way for constitutional changes, potentially opening a process that may allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek another term in office.

Tshisekedi, who has served as president since 2019, is currently in his second and final five-year term under the existing constitution, which limits presidents to two terms and prohibits amendments to that provision under normal circumstances.

The court-backed proposal would permit changes to previously protected sections of the constitution if state institutions are found to be experiencing what it describes as “major dysfunction.” Under the proposal, the president would appoint a panel of experts to examine the constitution and recommend possible reforms.

Any recommendations made by the panel would be reviewed by a constituent assembly. If endorsed by a three-fifths majority, the proposed amendments would then be submitted to Congolese voters in a nationwide referendum for final approval.

Supporters of the initiative argue that the current constitution no longer reflects the country’s political and institutional realities. Earlier this year, Tshisekedi said he was not seeking a third term but would accept another mandate if it reflected the will of the Congolese people.

Opposition parties have criticised the proposal, warning that it could weaken constitutional term limits. Demonstrations against the planned reforms were held in Kinshasa in June, while opposition leaders have called for a national dialogue before August 15. The Constitutional Court’s ruling does not itself amend the constitution, and any changes would still require approval through the proposed referendum process.

SOURCE: AFP