![]() This is insufficient time for people to learn about the extent of the constitutional changes, much less comprehend and discuss their impact. However, the draft constitution, which outlined the proposed changes, was only made public on July 10. On May 30, Touadéra announced that the referendum would be held on July 30. There have been no real nationwide consultations with broad participation. During the past year the president and members of his ruling party, the United Hearts Party (Mouvement des Cœurs unis, MCU), have claimed they are following the “will of the people.” But they have little to support this assertion beyond marches organized by MCU-affiliated associations in which at least some young men were paid to participate. It appears likely that the referendum will be adopted. This means that if a majority of Central Africans support the new constitution, and if Touadéra decides to run again, he could extend his rule indefinitely. The proposed constitution is also silent on presidential term limits altogether, a stark departure from the 2016 constitution, which limits presidential terms to five years, renewable once. The proposed changes would, among other things, reset the clock on the two terms Touadéra has already served, enabling him to run for a seven-year term in 2025. © 2023 REUTERS/Leger KokpakpaĪt the end of July, citizens in the Central African Republic will vote on a new constitution that would allow President Faustin-Archange Touadéra to run for president again – a third term not permitted under the current constitution. ![]() Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadera speaks during the referendum campaign to change the constitution and remove term limits, in Bangui, Central African Republic, July 17, 2023. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |