# DRC census preparations and legislative developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-census-preparations
> Updated: 2026-10-23T10:16:47.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has initiated the preparatory mapping phase for its second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-2), the first comprehensive census in the country since 1984. In Kinshasa, mapping teams have reported a generally favorable reception from residents, though some security challenges remain in certain neighborhoods.

Minister of Planning and Development Coordination Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya noted that the census is essential for development planning, including infrastructure for schools and healthcare. To support the full census scheduled for 2027, the government intends to deploy more than 130,000 enumerators nationwide.

In tandem with these field operations, the Senate unanimously adopted a bill to organize statistical activities. This legislation aims to modernize the country’s legal framework to align with United Nations principles and the African Charter on Statistics, ensuring professional independence and transparency for the census process. The bill has moved to the National Assembly for further examination.

## Claims

- The DRC National Assembly adopted a law setting the conditions for organizing a referendum on October 23, 2026. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The Constitutional Court issued an order (R. Const. 2695) on July 28, 2026, regarding constitutional revisions. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The law allows for the modification of constitutional provisions, including those protected by Article 220. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Article 220 of the Constitution protects the number and duration of presidential mandates. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The opposition claims the law could allow President Félix Tshisekedi to extend his time in power. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The law must still be examined by the Senate before potential promulgation. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Opposition members left the National Assembly before the vote took place. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The government's stated objective for the text was to have a ‘unified’ document. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: DRC National Assembly adopts referendum law amid opposition boycott

The DRC National Assembly has passed a law setting conditions for a referendum. The opposition boycotted the vote, fearing the law allows President Tshisekedi to extend his mandate by modifying the Constitution

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-legislature-advances-statistical-and-referendum-laws

### 2026-10-20: Democratic Republic of the Congo begins census mapping phase

The DRC has begun mapping for its first national census in over 40 years, aiming to improve development planning through an exhaustive household count scheduled for 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-begins-census-mapping-phase

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Cite as: DRC census preparations and legislative developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-census-preparations