DRC referendum bill intensifies constitutional standoff
Key takeaways
- Congolese lawmakers this week passed a referendum bill that could lead to constitutional reform ahead of the 2028 elections.
- On June 9, the National Assembly passed a bill to organize referendums—legislation that would be pivotal to any constitutional revision as President Felix Tshisekedi's second and final term expires in 2028.
- Tshisekedi has signaled openness to a scenario that could lead to a third term through constitutional revision and even a potential postponement of elections.
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Congolese lawmakers this week passed a referendum bill that could lead to constitutional reform ahead of the 2028 elections. The opposition has warned of a 'constitutional coup'.
https://p.dw.com/p/5FB8w Congolese opposition politician Moise Katumbi (wearing hat) has spoken out against plans to amend the Constitution Image: ALEXIS HUGUET/AFPAdvertisement Despite an ongoing Ebola epidemic and persistent insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the political elite is increasingly focused on a possible constitutional overhaul, with the ruling majority now openly pursuing amendments.
On June 9, the National Assembly passed a bill to organize referendums—legislation that would be pivotal to any constitutional revision as President Felix Tshisekedi's second and final term expires in 2028. The vote took place without opposition lawmakers, who have boycotted parliament for weeks in protest against the initiative.