Félix Tshisekedi has promulgated a law setting procedures for referendums on constitutional amendments or a new constitution, including in cases deemed an “absolute necessity.”

The law also permits constitutional changes in cases of “major dysfunction,” potentially opening a route to revise provisions that limit the number and length of presidential terms.

Tshisekedi signed the measure by executive ordinance on November 9 after it passed the National Assembly and Senate, following months of opposition criticism.

Opponents say the law could be used to bypass term limits and allow Tshisekedi to seek a third term when his current mandate ends in 2028.

Tshisekedi has governed since 2019, and the current constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms.

At a press conference in May, Tshisekedi said he would accept a third term if the people wanted him to continue.

The governing party has spent months building support for constitutional change, while opposition factions have united under the C64 platform to oppose changing term limits and delaying upcoming elections.

Opposition protests against what demonstrators call a “constitutional coup” took place in Kinshasa and other cities in June and September, but the opposition has struggled to mobilize large crowds since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election.

The dispute is sharpening political tensions in Kinshasa as eastern DR Congo continues to face armed conflict and territorial insecurity, including areas seized by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group last year.