Republic of the Congo constitutional referendum, 2015
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A constitutional referendum is scheduled to be held in Congo-Brazzaville on 25 October 2015 on a proposal to change the constitution, primarily to modify the rules regarding presidential terms.
Background[edit]
After a long period of public discussion of the proposed change, it was announced that a referendum would be held, and on 5 October 2015 it was announced that the referendum would be held on 25 October.[1]
Proposed changes[edit]
The draft constitution was divided into 246 articles.[2] It would allow a person to be elected as President three times, eliminate an age limit of 70 years for candidates, and reduce the length of presidential terms from seven years to five years. While eliminating the maximum age limit,[1][2] it would reduce the minimum age requirement for candidates from 40 to 30 years.[2] It also would establish the post of Prime Minister as head of government, rather than the President. The changes would allow President Denis Sassou Nguesso, whose second term is due to expire in 2016, to run for re-election.[1][2]
Campaign[edit]
The official campaign period for the referendum was scheduled to run from 9 October to 23 October 2015. Speaking at the beginning of the campaign period, Raymond Mboulou, the Minister of the Interior, stressed the importance of campaigning being conducted "in a climate of social peace, a climate of tolerance, of acceptance of different opinions, a climate that excludes provocations ... and which fundamentally preserves the public order."[3]
A large rally in support of the referendum was held in Brazzaville on 10 October. Speaking at the rally, the Secretary-General of the Congolese Party of Labour (PCT), Pierre Ngolo, declared that "this human tide simply wants to say that changing the constitution is the will of the people, and as such no one can stop it."[4]
A protest against the referendum was held in Brazzaville on 20 October. The demonstration had been banned by the government and was dispersed by police. Protesters set up barricades in the streets and attacked police stations. Police fired into the air and used tear gas to break up the protest, and four people were reportedly shot and killed by police during the violence.[5]
Protests continued for a second day in the Makélékélé section of Brazzaville on 21 October, with the protesters again setting up barricades and burning tires. The army was called in and helped police disperse the protesters. Hardline opponents of the referendum planned to boycott the vote, viewing it as nothing more than a way for Sassou Nguesso to remain in power, and said they would continue protesting.[6] Ngolo, on the other hand, argued that it was necessary to change the constitution "for the future of the country, to ensure peace and stability".[7] Meanwhile, François Hollande, the President of France, said that "Sassou can consult his people. That's part of his right and the people must respond."[6]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Congo-Brazzaville : la date du référendum constitutionnel fixée au 25 octobre", Jeune Afrique, 5 October 2015 (French).
- ^ a b c d "RFI dévoile le texte du projet de Constitution au Congo", Radio France Internationale, 13 October 2015 (French).
- ^ "Congo gears up to vote on extending veteran leader's rule", Agence France-Presse, 9 October 2015.
- ^ "Supporters of Congo President Sassou Nguesso rally for referendum", Reuters, 10 October 2015.
- ^ "Four killed in protest over plan to extend Congo Republic president's rule", Reuters, 20 October 2015.
- ^ a b "Army disperses anti-government protesters in Congo Republic", Reuters, 21 October 2015.
- ^ Peter Clottey, "Congo opposition to meet Western envoys", Voice of America, 21 October 2015.
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