On October 30, President Félix Tshisekedi announced plans for a national commission to draft a new constitution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising concerns among the opposition regarding possible changes to presidential term limits. Tshisekedi criticized the slow decision-making post-elections and tensions within provincial governance as reasons for this initiative. While he emphasized that any changes to term limits should be decided by the people, the specifics of the commission’s formation remain unclear. Experts indicated that constitutional amendments require significant parliamentary approval or a public referendum to be enacted.
In a significant political development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, President Félix Tshisekedi announced on October 30 that a national commission will be established in the coming year to draft a new constitution. This initiative has elicited apprehension among opposition parties regarding potential amendments to the existing presidential term limits. President Tshisekedi has previously characterized the current constitution as “outdated,” expressing concerns about its efficacy during his tenure. During a recent address, the President articulated frustrations over the protracted decision-making process that follows elections, which can lead to delays in government formation spanning several months. He also attributed tensions between provincial governors and assemblies as a rationale for revisiting the constitutional framework. Notably, Tshisekedi indicated that any adjustments to the presidential term limit should ultimately be determined by the populace rather than dictated by the presidency itself. However, specifics regarding the selection process for commission members have yet to be disclosed. According to experts, while the President holds the authority to initiate constitutional changes, such amendments necessitate the endorsement of 60% of parliamentarians or must be ratified through a referendum securing over 50% of public support.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, a central African nation with a tumultuous political history, is currently navigating its governance structure under President Félix Tshisekedi. Having assumed presidency, Tshisekedi has frequently scrutinized the legal framework governing governmental operations, labeling it inadequate for contemporary challenges. The current constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, a stipulation that has become contentious amid growing concerns about political longevity and potential manipulation of democratic processes. This announcement of a constitutional reform commission is poised to rekindle debates surrounding governance and citizen rights in the nation.
In conclusion, President Tshisekedi’s announcement regarding the establishment of a commission to draft a new constitution signals a pivotal moment for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the initiative aims to address systemic inefficiencies and tensions within the current political framework, it concurrently raises alarm among opposition factions about the potential alteration of presidential term limits. The outcome of this endeavor will depend on broader civil engagement and parliamentary support.
Original Source: constitutionnet.org
