DRC referendum law reignites popular sovereignty debate
DRC referendum law reignites popular sovereignty debate
The opposition criticises the reform, alleging President Félix Tshisekedi’s intention to secure a third consecutive term. However, some view it as an affirmation of popular sovereignty, while others warn it could clash with the Constitution.
For reform advocates, the goal is to strengthen popular sovereignty. In Kinshasa, some legal experts see no issue. Maria Eloyi argues that since the Constitution represents the people’s voice, any change must go through a referendum, which embodies that voice. No one can bypass that procedure. It is not solely for political interests; certain articles in our Constitution need revision.
Far from the population’s real concerns
This argument resonates with some Congolese. Placide Lukeka, a young resident of Kinshasa, says he has always awaited such an initiative because he has always supported constitutional change. Those who believe changing the Constitution is only politically motivated are mistaken. Moving to another republic will bring positive change for our country.
Beside him, Ange Aloki disagrees. For her, the referendum debate does not address the population’s immediate concerns. I do not appreciate it, she says. When I say there are other urgent matters in the country, we should focus on those. Why spend so much energy on the eve of elections, two years before the vote? Where have they been all this time to change the Constitution?
Legal debate
Beyond political timing, the text opens a legal debate. Many specialists argue that popular sovereignty cannot be exercised outside the Constitution’s framework. Godefroy Mwanabwato, a lawyer from the Tshopo bar, hopes the Constitutional Court will strike down parts or all of the law. He believes the court will remove provisions that exceed the legislature’s power to regulate referendums.
Politically, the opposition opposes the procedure. Its deputies walked out of the plenary session examining the law. Leaders called for a day of civil disobedience on June 3 and a sit-in on June 13.