PREVIEW
The latest plans to change the constitution include clauses to abolish presidential term limits
The ruling Union pour la Démocratie et le Progrès Social (UDPS) is pushing ahead with plans to overhaul the national constitution as oppositionists it’s a ruse to extend presidential term limits to keep President Félix Tshisekedi in office.
In late October, Tshisekedi proposed steps to change the country’s constitution, including floating the idea of a change to presidential term limits.
He also announced plans to set up a commission to draft a new constitution in 2025, though he indicated that the question of whether to remove presidential term limits would be subject to a referendum.
Tshisekedi was re-elected to a second term in December 2023 following an election marred by violence and irregularities, including restrictions on campaigning by opposition candidates (Dispatches 16/1/24, Tshisekedi's ruling coalition strengthened after election).
Opposition leaders Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi have launched their own campaigns against constitutional reform, while other potential candidates in 2028, including National Assembly President Vital Kamerhe and Jean-Pierre Bemba have been silent.
Both Kamerhe and Bemba are believed to have their own presidential aspirations for 2028. Many in Kinshasa believe that Kamerhe was the main target of the May coup attempt because eliminating him would ease the path towards a third term for Tshisekedi (AC Vol 65 No 11, Tshisekedi unruffled in his labyrinth & Vol 65 No 20, The presidential circle shrinks ).
Last week, the National Association of Victims filed a petition to the National Assembly on constitutional reform which, they say, has more than the 100,000 signatories needed for it to be debated in parliament. That could force Kamerhe to take a position.
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