DR Congo's Tshisekedi signs referendum law, raising third-term fears
The measure eases the rules for holding constitutional referendums, and opposition figures say it could let the president seek a third term.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has signed a law authorising a referendum, opening a route to a constitutional amendment that opposition figures say could allow him to seek a third term in office.
Africanews reported that the measure eases the rules for holding constitutional referendums and that the signing had sparked fears Tshisekedi could seek to extend his grip on power. France 24 reported the law was signed on November 10 and described it as paving the way for a constitutional amendment. The Rio Times dated the signing to November 9 and said the law lets voters decide on a new constitution.
Opposition figures accuse the president of manoeuvring to remain in power, France 24 reported, with the concern centred on a possible third-term bid.
Nation Africa added that in May, Tshisekedi said elections scheduled for late 2028 might not take place.
The reports did not include the text of the law, a date for any referendum, or a response from the presidency to the opposition's accusations.
How the reports differ
France 24 dated the signing to November 10 and led on the law paving the way for a constitutional amendment. The Rio Times dated it to November 9 and framed the law as letting voters decide on a new constitution. Africanews described the measure as easing the rules for holding referendums, without giving a date. Nation Africa was alone in carrying Tshisekedi's May remark that elections scheduled for late 2028 might not take place.
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