The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Senate has adopted a bill on the conditions for a referendum, with all 78 senators present voting in favor. The bill, which aims to clarify and expand the conditions for a referendum, was passed in a second reading on October 31. It was re-examined by the National Assembly at the request of President Félix Tshisekedi, following reservations expressed by the Constitutional Court.
The bill, initiated by national deputy Paul Gaspard Ngondankoy Nkoy Ea Loongya, aims to give effect to Article 5 of the Constitution, which provides for the possibility of a referendum. It seeks to go beyond the restrictive framework set by the 2005 law, which limited the scope of issues that could be submitted to a popular consultation. The Constitution provides for a referendum on issues such as the transfer of the capital, territorial changes, and constitutional revisions.
The Senate's adoption of the bill marks a significant step towards a national referendum. However, the process has been contentious, with some opposition groups and civil society actors expressing concerns about the government's intentions. They suspect that the government is preparing to use the referendum to revise the Constitution and allow President Tshisekedi to extend his term beyond the two presidential terms provided for in the Constitution.
The government has rejected these accusations, arguing that the bill is aimed at bringing the legal framework into line with the Constitution. It claims that the evolution of the constitutional framework is necessary to strengthen the country's institutions. The bill now goes to President Tshisekedi for promulgation.
The Senate's president, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, said that the adoption of the bill reaffirms a fundamental political option while ensuring that the text conforms to the Constitutional Court's reservations. He announced that the bill would be transmitted to President Tshisekedi for promulgation, in accordance with Article 136 of the Constitution.
The bill's adoption has sparked mixed reactions, with some stakeholders welcoming the move towards a more inclusive and participatory democratic process. Others have expressed concerns about the potential implications of a referendum on the country's stability and democratic trajectory. The debate is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks.
The referendum bill is a significant development in the DR Congo's democratic process. Its implementation will depend on the government's commitment to transparency and inclusivity. The international community is watching closely, as the country's stability and democratic progress are crucial for regional and global peace and security.
Key points
- The DR Congo Senate has unanimously approved a bill on the conditions for a referendum.
- The bill aims to clarify and expand the conditions for a referendum, in line with Article 5 of the Constitution.
- The process has been contentious, with concerns about the government's intentions and potential implications for the country's stability and democratic trajectory.
