DRC parliament debates referendum law as opposition boycotts session

In the Democratic Republic of Congo's lower house, Speaker Aimé Boji defended a draft law that would set the legal framework for organising future referendums. The proposal, introduced by Deputy Paul Gaspard Ngondankoy, seeks to define procedures, penalties and transitional rules for a national vote on major issues.

During the May 27 plenary, several opposition deputies, including members of the "Ensemble" group, walked out to protest what they see as a step toward constitutional change. Boji replied that the parliament was merely exercising its legislative prerogative and that the draft does not constitute an actual referendum. He warned that opponents who reject the people’s right to be heard are free to leave the chamber. The debate continues amid deep political tensions, with the majority pledging to proceed with the bill's examination.