DRC National Assembly adopts referendum law amid opposition boycott

DRC National Assembly constitutional referendum Félix Tshisekedi Article 220 political boycott

The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has re-adopted a law establishing the legal framework for organizing a referendum. The vote, held on October 23, 2026, saw 346 votes in favor and zero against, though the session was marked by a boycott from opposition members who left the chamber before the vote took place.

The legislation follows a review by the Constitutional Court, which had issued observations regarding 13 of the law's 44 articles. While the government aims to create a ‘unified’ document, the new version has sparked intense debate. Critics and opposition figures, including Senator Salomon Kalonda Della, argue that the law could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to bypass constitutional limits on presidential mandates, specifically targeting Article 220.

Legal experts have noted that the new text may exacerbate legal uncertainty, as it appears to broaden the scope for modifying protected constitutional provisions without necessarily adopting a new Constitution, potentially contradicting previous judicial rulings. The bill must now undergo a second reading in the Senate before it can be promulgated.

Entities

Christian Mwando Nsimba · Constitutional Court of the DRC · Democratic Republic of the Congo · Ensemble pour la République · Félix Tshisekedi · Guylain Nyembo · Kinshasa · National Assembly of the DRC · National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo · Paul-Gaspard Ngondankoy · Salomon Kalonda Della · Senate of the DRC

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] The Constitutional Court issued an order (R. Const. 2695) on July 28, 2026, regarding constitutional revisions. congointer.info · democratiechretienne.org · election-net.com · information.tv5monde.com · afrikactus.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The opposition claims the law could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to extend his time in power. africapresse.com · information.tv5monde.com · afrikactus.com · www.radiookapi.net
[● 9 SOURCES] The DRC National Assembly adopted a law setting the conditions for organizing a referendum on October 23, 2026. congointer.info · democratiechretienne.org · africapresse.com · information.tv5monde.com · foxtime.cd · +4 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The law allows for the modification of constitutional provisions, including those protected by Article 220. congointer.info · democratiechretienne.org · africapresse.com · information.tv5monde.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The law must still be examined by the Senate before potential promulgation. africapresse.com · actualite.cd · afrikactus.com · www.radiookapi.net
[● 3 SOURCES] Opposition members left the National Assembly before the vote took place. africapresse.com · information.tv5monde.com · afrikactus.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The government's stated objective for the text was to have a ‘unified’ document. africapresse.com · information.tv5monde.com · afrikactus.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Article 220 of the Constitution protects the number and duration of presidential mandates. congointer.info · democratiechretienne.org · africapresse.com · information.tv5monde.com