Rwanda's parliament has started reviewing a draft constitution submitted by Minister for Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja on March 31. The proposed amendments aim to merge presidential and parliamentary elections, set to take place next year. If approved, over 30 articles, including the constitution's title, will be altered. The ruling party hopes to consolidate its hold on power with these changes, which come a year before the elections.
The draft constitution proposes significant changes, including adding one extra year to the current parliament and changing the title to "Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda." The new constitution will comprise 176 articles, one less than the previous version. Additionally, the proposal seeks to grant legal power to various government bodies, such as the National Bank of Rwanda and Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority, to implement regulations with legal backing.
The proposed amendments have sparked concerns from opposition parties, including the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda. The party's president, Dr. Frank Habineza, argues that the changes do not guarantee fair play among political parties in parliament and Cabinet. He suggests that the constitution should provide provisions for power sharing among parties, citing the current imbalance in cabinet positions allocated to the ruling party and other parties.
The Chamber of Deputies is constitutionally allowed to amend all articles in the Constitution except Article 102, regarding the presidential term, which requires a referendum to be changed. If approved, violations of government regulations will be punished by imprisonment instead of fines. This proposal aims to enforce public compliance with measures such as those implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rwanda's constitution has been amended twice in eight years, with the latest change being the 2015 amendment that changed the presidential term from seven years to five years, effective after the 2024 presidential elections. The opposition party's concerns highlight the need for a level playing field for all candidates in presidential elections.
The draft constitution also proposes to add "regulations" to the list of legal instruments in Rwanda's hierarchy of laws. This change would grant various government bodies the authority to implement regulations with legal backing, potentially impacting the implementation of future policies and laws.
As the review process continues, the proposed amendments will be closely watched by various stakeholders, including opposition parties, civil society organizations, and the general public. The outcome will likely have significant implications for Rwanda's electoral process and the balance of power in the country.
Key points
- The proposed constitutional amendments aim to merge presidential and parliamentary elections in Rwanda.
- The opposition party, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, has expressed concerns about the amendments, citing the need for a level playing field for all candidates.
- The draft constitution proposes significant changes, including adding one extra year to the current parliament and granting legal power to various government bodies.
