A tale of two constitutions: Fears of democratic erosion as Nicaragua, Congo leaders seek more power

Political leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nicaragua are pushing for constitutional changes. In both countries, critics say the changes would extend the Presidents’ powers could erode democracy and unsettle already fragile nations.

The two similar events, unfolding in the global South, are raising questions about the health of democracy in these regions.

In Congo, a constitution under siege

In Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi recently announced the formation of a national commission to draft a new constitution.

Tshisekedi has criticized the current 2006 constitution as “outdated,” pointing to issues such as slow post-election transitions and tensions between governors and provincial assemblies.

Opposition figures, however, are alarmed.

They fear the changes may pave the way for removing the two-term presidential limit, allowing Tshisekedi, who was reelected last December under contested circumstances, to remain in office beyond his current mandate.

“This constitution was meant to prevent authoritarian drifts,” said Shadary Ramazani, spokesperson for the party of former President Joseph Kabila. The opposition, including Kabila, has called for nationwide protests to resist Tshisekedi’s plans.

Experts note that while Tshisekedi has the authority to initiate constitutional changes, these would need approval by 60 per cent of parliament or a national referendum.

In Nicaragua, presidential power takes center stage

In Managua, President Daniel Ortega has proposed sweeping constitutional reforms to extend presidential powers and solidify his family’s influence.

Among the proposed changes are increasing presidential terms from five to six years and formally redesignating the vice presidency— currently held by Ortega’s wife, Rosario Murillo— as a “co-presidency.”

The reforms also propose greater state control over media, which Ortega’s government claims is necessary to curb foreign interference.

The proposals were sent to the National Assembly on Tuesday (November 19), where Ortega’s party holds a majority, ensuring their likely swift approval.

Critics argue that these changes will deepen Nicaragua’s authoritarian turn, a trajectory that began with Ortega’s crackdown on dissent and jailing of opposition leaders following protests in 2018.

Different countries, same concern

Despite their geographic and cultural differences, the moves in Congo and Nicaragua show some major similarities.

In both cases, the leaders frame their proposals as necessary to modernise governance or stabilise their nations. Opponents see them as attempts to dismantle democratic safeguards and prolong their rule.

Both nations are approaching critical junctures. In Congo, protests against Tshisekedi’s plans could become a flashpoint in a nation already grappling with conflict and political uncertainty. In Nicaragua, Ortega’s proposed reforms may push the country further toward authoritarianism, leaving little space for opposition or dissent.

The international response has been muted so far. While Nicaragua faces longstanding sanctions from the United States and Europe, Congo’s constitutional debate is still in its early stages.

With inputs from agencies