Democratic Republic of Congo debates popular sovereignty with new referendum law
Two decades after the 2005 referendum law, the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo has adopted a new text that sets the rules for organising a referendum, especially when it comes to constitutional reform. The opposition argues that President Félix Tshisekedi is using this law to pave the way for a third term, while other voices see it as an affirmation of popular sovereignty.Supporters hail a victory for the peopleFor those backing the reform, the law strengthens the principle that the people should have the final say on constitutional matters. In Kinshasa, legal expert Maria Eloyi sees no problem with the new law. “Since the constitution represents the voice of the people, any change or modification must go through a referendum, which is the true expression of the peopl...











