The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced plans to create a national commission next year to draft a new constitution, raising concerns among the opposition about potential changes to presidential term limits. Critics fear that the President may seek to extend his time in office, despite Tshisekedi asserting that any changes should be determined by the populace and not by his directive. The process for establishing the commission remains unspecified, and constitutional amendments would require significant parliamentary or public support.
On October 30, 2023, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced intentions to establish a national commission tasked with drafting a new constitution for the nation in the coming year. This proposal has elicited concern among opposition factions, primarily regarding the potential modification of the presidential term limits. President Félix Tshisekedi has previously deemed the existing constitution as “outdated,” indicating a need for reform. He highlighted the protracted decision-making processes following elections, which can delay government formation for several months, and cited existing tensions between provincial governors and their respective assemblies as compelling reasons for a constitutional overhaul. While the President affirmed that the issue of presidential term limits should be determined by the citizenry rather than dictated by him, he did not provide details regarding the selection process for the commission members. Legal experts assert that while President Tshisekedi possesses the authority to propose constitutional amendments, any proposed changes must achieve a 60% approval rating in the parliament, or alternatively, they must receive more than 50% backing in a public referendum.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced significant political turbulence in recent years, with debates surrounding governance and constitutional integrity becoming increasingly prominent. The existing constitution, which allows for a maximum of two five-year presidential terms, has been cited by President Tshisekedi as inadequate for the current political climate. The move to create a commission underscores the ongoing struggle between progressive reforms and the preservation of institutional checks that govern presidential power.
In summary, President Félix Tshisekedi’s announcement regarding the establishment of a constitutional reform commission raises critical questions about the future governance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the President emphasizes a collective decision-making process regarding term limits, the opposition remains vigilant, fearing alterations that could facilitate extended presidential tenure. The commission’s formation and its implications will be pivotal in shaping the constitutional landscape of the country in the coming years.
Original Source: constitutionnet.org
