By Mark Banchereau,
30 October
Flag of Democratic Republic of the Congo (photo credit: jorono via pixabay)
Congo’s President announced a national commission will be set up next year to draft a new constitution for the central African country, raising concern among the opposition over possible altering of the presidential term limit. [ . . . ] Tshisekedi has criticized the current constitution several times in recent months, saying it was “outdated.” Opposition groups have expressed worry that the president may change the two five-year presidential terms to remain in power.
On Wednesday, Tshisekedi slammed what he said was the slow decision-making process — it often takes months after elections before a government is formed — and the tensions between governors and the provincial assemblies as reasons to draft a new constitution. He also said that changing the presidential term limit was up to the people to decide, not the president.
He didn’t share details on how the members of the commission would be chosen. [ . . . ] Experts say Tshisekedi has the power to call to change the constitution but it will have to be approved by 60% of the parliament or pass by referendum with over 50%.
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The Spectator
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