KINSHASA, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Lawmakers in Democratic Republic of Congo gave initial approval on Monday to a bill requiring a census before a 2016 election, president of the national assembly Aubin Minaku said, a process the opposition says could delay the poll by years.

Under the constitution, President Joseph Kabila will not be able to stand for re-election next year and critics say the government census is a strategy to prolong his time in office. The government says the census can be completed within a year.

The proposal will now proceed to a special commission before a final vote in parliament, Minaku said. (Reporting by Aaron Ross; Writing by Emma Farge; Editing by Daniel Flynn)

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