The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Senate has recently approved a bill related to the organisation of referendums, a move that could potentially pave the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.
The legislation passed the Senate just days after clashes erupted between pro- and anti-government demonstrators during protests against proposed constitutional changes. Opposition groups have accused the government of attempting to extend the president’s hold on power.
Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019, is currently serving his second five-year term, which is set to end in 2028 under the existing constitution’s two-term limit for presidents. However, the 63-year-old leader stated last month that he would be willing to continue in office beyond that limit if approved by voters through a referendum on constitutional reform.
Although the bill approved by the Senate is officially a technical framework for conducting referendums, critics argue it could open the door to amending constitutional provisions, including the presidential term limit. The lower house had already approved the measure earlier this month.
The bill will now be reviewed by the Constitutional Court before being sent to the president for final approval.
Political tensions remain high in the country, which is also facing armed conflict in the east involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, as well as ongoing health and security challenges, including an Ebola outbreak.
Tshisekedi’s coalition currently holds a strong parliamentary majority, while opposition parties have recently formed an alliance to resist what they describe as efforts to consolidate power. Recent protests against the plan turned violent, leaving several opposition figures injured, while rights groups reported at least two bodies were recovered.
