Democratic Republic of Congo’s Senate has adopted a bill to change the constitution ​which could open the door to a ‌third term in office for President Felix Tshisekedi, days after a protest against the bill turned violent in the ​capital Kinshasa.

The bill paves the way for ​a referendum on a new constitution that ⁠would allow Tshisekedi — who is currently serving his ​second and final term — to serve a third ​term as if it were his first.

Eighty-nine senators took part in the vote on Monday and all voted in ​favour of adopting the bill. Twenty senators ​did not participate.

The bill must still be signed into law ‌by ⁠Tshisekedi.

Opposition Senator Salomon Kalonda Della Idi said in a statement that the bill could “permanently Balkanize the country”.

Last week, a protest against the bill turned ​violent when ​security forces ⁠fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators who threw rocks, ​local residents told Reuters, with opponent Delly ​Sesanga’s ⁠communication team claiming on X that he was shot in the leg.

Congo’s National Assembly, the lower ⁠house ​of parliament, has already approved ​the bill.

Congo’s next presidential election is scheduled for 2028.