In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the National Assembly adopted a bill on 9 June concerning the organisation of the referendum, which was approved by 348 out of 351 MPs who voted. The bill has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration. However, its adoption has sparked fierce political controversy. The opposition boycotted the debates, denouncing a “constitutional coup” and arguing that this law could pave the way for a major revision of the Constitution, or even a change to the country’s institutional system.
The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo adopted on June 9 2026 the draft law concerning the organisation of the national referendum. This legislative initiative received widespread support, with 348 votes in favour out of 351 participants in the vote. The legislative text has now been sent to the Senate, where it will be examined in second reading. Once approved by the upper chamber in identical terms, the document will be forwarded to the Head of State for official promulgation.
Here are the results of the vote with 351 deputies taking part. 348 deputies voted yes, two voted no, and one abstained. Consequently, the National Assembly adopts the draft law setting the conditions for the organisation of the referendum in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Aimé Boji Sangara, President of the National Assembly
Conducted without the opposition, this vote raises questions on the legitimacy of a reform that could reshape national institutions. Denouncing a “constitutional coup d’état,” the opposition boycotted the process after organising a “town shut-down” day on June 3 2026 to demand the withdrawal of the text. The opposition accuses the majority of entrenching the President’s power through a third term, which is currently prohibited by the Constitution.
On major questions of national interest, the people of Congo will be able to express themselves directly in accordance with the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution.
Aimé Boji Sangara, President of the National Assembly
The draft law regulates the calling of the referendum by the President, its organisation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), as well as the rules for campaigning, counting, and dispute resolution. It thus strengthens the prerogatives of the Head of State in initiating a popular consultation. This framework provides a legal instrument that could be used to amend the Constitution, a major issue in the current political context.
