World
DR Congo court backs law that could open door to Tshisekedi third term
President Felix Tshisekedi, 63, came to power in 2019, and his second — and under the current rules — final five-year mandate is due to end in late 2028. DR Congo's constitution states the number and length of presidential terms cannot be revised.
President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi's term in office, his final one under current law, is due to end in late 2028. (AF Photo)
By: AFP ., Journalist @New Vision
KINSHASA — Democratic Republic of Congo's constitutional court on Tuesday approved a referendum law that critics say could open the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.
President Felix Tshisekedi, 63, came to power in 2019, and his second — and under the current rules — final five-year mandate is due to end in late 2028.
DR Congo's constitution states the number and length of presidential terms cannot be revised.
But the opposition has rallied against a bill backed by the ruling majority that would change the rules for holding constitutional referendums.
Announcing the decision on state TV, Constitutional Court president Dieudonne Kamuleta Badibanga said the proposed law was in line with the constitution.
The court approved clauses that could allow the president to amend the constitution through a constituent assembly followed by a referendum in the event of a "major dysfunction" of state institutions.
However, judges expressed reservations about other provisions, including one allowing the president to call a referendum on any issue deemed of "fundamental" importance.
Announcing the decision on state TV, Constitutional Court president Dieudonne Kamuleta Badibanga said the proposed law was in line with the constitution.
The court approved clauses that could allow the president to amend the constitution through a constituent assembly followed by a referendum in the event of a "major dysfunction" of state institutions.
However, judges expressed reservations about other provisions, including one allowing the president to call a referendum on any issue deemed of "fundamental" importance.
The bill was passed in June by parliament, where Tshisekedi's coalition holds a large majority. It still requires the president's signature to become law.
Tshisekedi has denied seeking a third term but told a rare press conference in May: "If the people want me to have a third term, I will accept."
Opposition parties, weakened after the president's landslide re-election in 2023, have united against any attempt to change the constitution.
A planned protest against the reform was postponed this month after the government announced a long-demanded national dialogue, though it has yet to say who will take part.
The ruling comes at a sensitive time for the DRC, which is battling both a growing Ebola outbreak and an offensive by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in the east.
Tshisekedi has denied seeking a third term but told a rare press conference in May: "If the people want me to have a third term, I will accept."
Opposition parties, weakened after the president's landslide re-election in 2023, have united against any attempt to change the constitution.
A planned protest against the reform was postponed this month after the government announced a long-demanded national dialogue, though it has yet to say who will take part.
The ruling comes at a sensitive time for the DRC, which is battling both a growing Ebola outbreak and an offensive by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in the east.