DRC referendum law explained: what’s next for Felix Tshisekedi’s potential third term?

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Assembly has overwhelmingly approved the referendum organization bill, setting the stage for potential constitutional changes. Opposition voices warn this move could pave the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to run for a third term. But what exactly does the law entail? How might it lead to constitutional revisions? And what are the upcoming procedural steps?

What the new referendum law includes

The adopted legislation outlines the legal framework for conducting a referendum in the DRC. Among its key provisions, the law specifies the conditions under which a constitutional revision could be put to a public vote. Critics argue that the timing and scope of the proposed referendum align with efforts to extend presidential term limits, a topic that has sparked intense political debate across the country.

The text does not explicitly mention constitutional changes, but its broad language leaves room for interpretations that could enable such revisions. Legal experts point out that the law’s flexibility could be used to bypass existing term limits, a concern that has drawn attention from both domestic and international observers.

How the law could lead to constitutional changes

Constitutional revisions in the DRC require a two-step process: a parliamentary vote to authorize the revision, followed by a referendum to ratify the changes. The newly adopted bill appears to fulfill the first step, setting the political and legal groundwork for a potential referendum. If the referendum is called, it would give Congolese citizens the final say on whether to modify the Constitution, including provisions related to presidential term limits.

Opposition figures and civil society groups have raised concerns that the law could be weaponized to serve political ambitions. They argue that the lack of clear safeguards against term limit extensions could undermine democratic norms and trigger instability. Meanwhile, supporters of the bill contend that it provides a legitimate pathway for democratic expression, allowing citizens to decide on critical national issues.

Next steps in the process

The law’s implementation now hinges on several key actions. First, the government must draft the specific constitutional amendments it intends to propose. These amendments would then need to be submitted to the National Assembly for approval before being put to a referendum. The timeline for these steps remains uncertain, but political analysts suggest that if the government moves swiftly, a referendum could be held within the next 12 to 18 months.

Meanwhile, public debate over the referendum’s legitimacy and potential consequences is intensifying. Civil society organizations are mobilizing to inform citizens about their rights and the implications of constitutional changes. Protests and political rallies have already begun in major cities, reflecting the deep divisions over this issue.

Legal scholars emphasize the need for transparency in the process, urging the government to clarify how the referendum will be conducted and what safeguards will be in place to ensure fairness. The international community is also closely monitoring developments, with some countries and organizations expressing concerns about the potential erosion of democratic institutions in the DRC.

Why this matters for the DRC’s future

The outcome of this process could have far-reaching consequences for the DRC’s political stability and democratic trajectory. A referendum that enables constitutional changes without broad consensus risks fueling tensions and undermining public trust in institutions. Conversely, a transparent and inclusive process could strengthen democratic governance and provide a clear mandate for any proposed reforms.

As the debate unfolds, all eyes will be on Kinshasa, where political leaders, legal experts, and citizens weigh the implications of this critical moment in the country’s history.