President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC has announced a plan to form a commission to draft a new constitution, igniting a controversial discussion regarding the proposal to eliminate the two-term limit for the presidency. This amendment would permit Tshisekedi to seek a third term, a move opposed by multiple political and social groups, reflecting the contentious nature of Congolese politics.
The recent announcement by President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to form a commission tasked with drafting a new constitution has ignited a significant controversy within the nation. During his visit to Kisangani, President Tshisekedi indicated his intention to involve diverse representatives from various sectors of society in this constitutional review process. He emphasized that the new constitution would reflect the realities faced by the DRC and enhance the governance of the country. The most controversial aspect of this proposed amendment is the removal of the current two-term limit on the presidency, which would allow President Tshisekedi to seek a third term in the upcoming presidential elections. Having already served two terms, Tshisekedi is currently barred under existing laws from running again. This proposal echoes a similar endeavor by former president Joseph Kabila in 2015, which met with strong opposition from civil society and the Catholic Church at the time. Interestingly, it is now Kabila’s former party, the opposition coalition known as the “Front commun pour le Congo” (FCC), that is firmly opposed to Tshisekedi’s latest constitutional change initiative. Opposition figure Moïse Katumbi has also weighed in, asserting that any alteration to the constitution would be detrimental, highlighting the prevailing instability in the country. Additionally, Donatien Nshole, the Secretary General of the Congolese Episcopal Conference (CENCO), expressed concerns regarding the potential destabilizing effects of such a constitutional change.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a complex political landscape marked by a history of electoral disputes and constitutional challenges. The proposal to alter the constitution in order to abolish the two-term limit has resurfaced in a context where political power dynamics are scrutinized closely. Previous attempts made by Joseph Kabila to change the constitution faced significant backlash, revealing a deep-seated resistance among civil society groups and religious institutions. The current debate surrounding Tshisekedi’s proposal reflects ongoing tensions between the ruling government and opposition factions, encapsulating broader questions of governance, stability, and the democratic process in the DRC.
The proposal by President Tshisekedi to amend the constitution by abolishing the two-term limit has stirred significant controversy, facing staunch opposition from both political adversaries and civil society groups. The debate over this proposed amendment underscores the complexities and challenges of governance within the DRC as the country navigates issues of stability and democratic representation. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to observe the responses from various societal sectors and the potential implications for the political landscape.
Original Source: www.fides.org
