On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court ruled that the law setting out the procedures for organizing the referendum in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was in line with the Constitution. The high court did, however, express reservations regarding certain provisions of the text.

This decision comes after several weeks of waiting and puts an end to the uncertainty surrounding the enactment of this law, which had already been passed by both houses of Parliament.

In its review, the Constitutional Court found that the bulk of the law complies with the principles and provisions of the Constitution. However, reservations were expressed regarding certain provisions, calling for them to be addressed in accordance with constitutional requirements.

The high court’s decision thus marks an important step in the legal process governing the organization of a possible referendum in the DRC.

The adoption of this law comes against a political backdrop characterized by debates concerning the country’s institutional future and the question of a possible revision or amendment of the Constitution.

As a referendum is a procedure enabling the people to express their views directly on a matter submitted for their consideration, the arrangements for organizing it are of particular importance.

With the ruling handed down on Tuesday, the legal framework governing the organization of a referendum has now been declared compliant by the Constitutional Court, subject to compliance with the observations made by the Court.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling thus marks a new stage in the political and institutional debate in the DRC, whilst the issue of the referendum remains at the center of numerous discussions.

Written by Azarias Mokonzi