DRC referendum: Key changes to the law after Constitutional Court reservations

The DRC National Assembly adopted a bill on 23 October setting rules for referendums after incorporating 13 reservations from the Constitutional Court. The revised text clarifies which questions may go to a referendum, how results can be challenged, and the requirements for citizen-led initiatives, which must be backed by at least 250,000 signatures. It also lays out steps for adopting a new Constitution, including political consultations and review by a constituent assembly; if voters reject the draft, the current Constitution remains in force. The bill has drawn criticism from the parliamentary opposition, while supporters say it strengthens direct popular expression of sovereignty.