DRC: 100,000 citizens can now request a referendum on the Constitution

One hundred thousand signatures could now be enough to bring a referendum request before Parliament in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Promulgated on November 9, 2026, by President Félix Tshisekedi, Law No. 26/045 opens a new avenue for citizens to request a popular consultation, particularly on a possible new Constitution.

In practical terms, Congolese citizens wishing to submit a question to a popular vote can form groups and gather at least 100,000 signatures. Their petition must then be sent to the National Assembly or the Senate, in accordance with the procedure stipulated by the new law. Collecting signatures alone is therefore not enough to automatically trigger a vote.

Until now, the initiative for a referendum rested primarily with political institutions. The new text now recognizes this possibility for citizens, in addition to the President of the Republic, the government, and members of parliament, under the conditions set by law.

This development comes amid a debate about the country's constitutional future. The possibility of a new constitution is causing tension between the president and the opposition. The latter fears that a revision of the constitutional rules could be used to allow Félix Tshisekedi to run for another term, even though his second term is due to end in 2028.

The promulgation of this law does not, however, mean that a new Constitution will automatically be adopted. Rather, it defines the procedures for submitting certain questions to the population. Ultimately, it is the vote of the Congolese people that could decide the fate of a text submitted to a referendum.

Yolande Bazié