DRC National Assembly adopts draft law on referendum organization

The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo has passed a draft law governing the organization of referendums. The legislation, introduced by Deputy Paul-Gaspard Ngondankoy, received overwhelming support, with 348 out of 351 deputies voting in favor. However, the session was marked by the absence of opposition members, who chose to boycott the proceedings, denouncing the move as an "institutional coup."

The approved text establishes the framework for how the president can convene a referendum, how the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) will organize it, and sets rules for campaigning, vote counting, and dispute resolution. A significant provision includes the possibility of forming an expanded constituent assembly for projects involving a new constitution. This assembly could potentially include not only national senators and deputies but also provincial deputies, governors, and municipal councilors.

Following its adoption by the lower house, the draft law is now on its way to the Senate for a second reading. If passed in the same terms, it will be sent to the president for promulgation. The article also notes discussions with various experts and political figures, including a professor and national deputy from the UDPS party, an opposition deputy and lawyer, and a doctor of political science, to provide context and analysis on the implications of this new legislation.

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institutional coup