DR Congo President Announces National Commission for Constitutional Reform

On October 30, President Félix Tshisekedi announced plans to establish a commission next year to draft a new constitution for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which raises concerns over possible alterations to presidential term limits. Opposition groups fear such changes could allow him to extend his time in office beyond existing constraints. Tshisekedi criticized the current constitution as outdated, citing slow government formation processes and tensions among provincial leaders as justifications for reform, while stating that any modifications to term limits should be a decision made by the populace.

On October 30, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, announced plans to establish a national commission next year tasked with drafting a new constitution for the country. This announcement has elicited concerns from opposition parties regarding potential changes to the existing presidential term limits. President Tshisekedi has publicly criticized the current constitution on several occasions, deeming it “outdated” and highlighting its shortcomings in the political process, particularly the prolonged period required to form a government after elections, which can extend over several months. Furthermore, he pointed to the ongoing tensions between provincial governors and assemblies as additional justification for constitutional reform. President Tshisekedi emphasized that any modification to the presidential term limits should be determined by the populace rather than solely by presidential decree. However, he did not specify the method by which members of the constitutional commission would be selected. Political experts note that while President Tshisekedi possesses the authority to initiate changes to the constitution, any modifications would require the approval of 60% of the parliament or would need to be validated through a referendum achieving over 50% support.

The announcement regarding constitutional reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo comes amid ongoing debates about the adequacy of the current political framework. President Tshisekedi’s administration has faced criticism from opposition parties who fear that reforms could be manipulated to extend his presidency beyond the established two five-year terms. The remarks concerning the lengthy processes in government formation and the conflicts at the provincial level further underline the challenges facing governance in the country. This move towards constitutional amendment is pivotal in shaping the future political landscape of the Congo.

In summary, President Félix Tshisekedi’s proposal to form a national commission for constitutional reform has intensified scrutiny regarding potential changes to presidential term limits, highlighting a significant concern among opposition leaders. While Tshisekedi asserts that the decision to alter such limits rests with the people, the lack of clarity regarding the commission’s formation raises further questions about the reform process. The political ramifications of these developments warrant close attention as they unfold in the coming months.

Original Source: constitutionnet.org