DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has signed a law setting rules for constitutional referendums, allowing more constitutional questions to go to voters and raising fears it could help pave the way for a third term.
Tshisekedi signed Law No. 26/045 on November 9. The order was read on state television the next day. The law replaces the country’s 2005 rules for referendums.
It allows a referendum on a proposed new constitution or changes to existing constitutional rules if they are considered absolutely necessary. A referendum can be proposed by the president, government, members of parliament, or a petition signed by 100,000 citizens. Parliament approved the law last month.
It sets out rules for holding and campaigning in a referendum, as well as announcing results. Opponents fear a new constitution could be used to get around the current two-term limit for presidents. However, the existing constitution protects the number and length of presidential terms from being changed.
Tshisekedi has been in office since 2019 and is due to finish his second five-year term in 2028. He has said he did not seek a third term. He has also said he would accept one if the people wanted it.
Opposition protests against constitutional change have taken place in Kinshasa and elsewhere. No date has been announced for a referendum. The law taking effect does not mean that a referendum or constitutional change has been decided.