00:01President Philip Tsitsikeri has signed into law a measure easing the rules for
00:05holding constitutional referendums, sparking fears he could seek to extend
00:10his work on power. The opposition calls it a move to cling to office. Tsitsikeri's second and final turn was
00:17due to end in 2028.
00:22The National Assembly and the Senate have passed and the
00:25president hereby enacts the following act. This act lays down the rules relating to
00:30the purpose, procedure, initiative and calling of a referendum. Article 2, a
00:35referendum is a means of expressing the sovereignty of the people. It constitutes a
00:40mechanism for the direct consultation of the Congolese people through which they
00:44exercise national sovereignty by voting yes or no on a specific text or issue.
00:54Opposition forces are united against Tsitsikeri's bid to change the
00:57constitution and potentially secure a third term. Protests against what opponents
01:03call a constitutional coup have already wrought Kinshasa and other cities.
