DR Congo assembly passes referendum law
Parliamentary opposition boycotted the vote, calling it a forceful move that could harm national dialogue.
The National Assembly in the Democratic Republic of Congo adopted a law on organizing a referendum on Friday, October 23. The assembly considered reservations from the Constitutional Court before passing the text, which now returns to the Senate for a second review. The bill will then go to the president for promulgation.
The parliamentary opposition boycotted the debate and passage of the law, denouncing what they called a forceful move. Christian Mwando, head of the opposition group Ensemble pour la République, warned that passing the law without opposition participation would shut down dialogue. He stated the majority would bear responsibility for the law, which he claimed would be solely backed by the Union sacrée.
Majority deputies praised the law's adoption as a sign of democratic function and majority rule, asserting the opposition's absence did not halt proceedings. President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi had previously sent the law back to parliament for reconsideration after the Constitutional Court raised concerns.
Why it mattersThe adoption of the referendum law by the National Assembly affects national dialogue and political stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.