President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo said he may seek a third term and postpone the next presidential election.

The prospect of extending his rule threatens to destabilize the country's democratic transition and risks intensifying political friction between the government and the opposition.

Speaking in Kinshasa on Wednesday, May 7, 2024, the 62-year-old [1] leader said ongoing conflict and instability in the volatile eastern part of the country are a justification for delaying the vote [1], [2]. The eastern region continues to face significant turmoil, which Tshisekedi said could make holding a national election impractical.

Under the DRC constitution, the maximum number of terms allowed for a president is two [1]. Tshisekedi is currently serving his second five-year term, which is scheduled to end in 2028 [1]. With a presidential election due in two years [1], the suggestion of a third term represents a potential departure from constitutional limits.

Opposition leaders have reacted with anger to the prospect of a vote delay. The instability in the east has long been a flashpoint for the region, but critics said security concerns are being used as a pretext to maintain power beyond the legal limit.

Tshisekedi said the current state of the nation necessitates these considerations to ensure stability. However, the move raises questions about the legal framework governing the presidency, and the likelihood of constitutional amendments to allow for an extended tenure.

“President Felix Tshisekedi said he may seek a third term and postpone the next presidential election.”

The suggestion of a third term and an election delay indicates a potential shift toward authoritarianism in the DRC. By leveraging the security crisis in the east, the administration may be attempting to create a legal or political vacuum that allows for the suspension of constitutional term limits, a move that historically leads to increased civil unrest in the region.