The Democratic Republic of the Congo might be seeking to change the DRC Constitution. President Felix Tshisekedi revealed a commission is being set up to draft a new constitution. The argument made is that the current DRC Constitutions has certain flaws. President Tshisekedi asserts that it was originally drafted by foreigners. This was done as a measure to help stabilize the country after the Second Congolese Civil War from 1998 to 2003. The concern by some is that it could extend presidential terms or alter the term limits. The presidency is somewhat limited in comparison to regional governments and parliament. The desire for more centralization could be a means of preventing future civil wars. The M23 rebel attacks evoke memories of previous civil wars. Reforms could also be made in the electoral system. This should not generate condemnation as long as it ensures all citizens can vote. The current DRC Constitution has been used since 2006. A total of six constitutions the DRC has used. The seventh version would probably be used either late 2025 or 2026. This will certainly be a topic of debate in the next presidential election. A new constitution would not be a problem if the intent was known. A pattern with some African nations is that constitutional reforms are a way to extend presidential power. The political opposition rejects the DRC constitutional commission for this reason.
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