Chadians are actively involved in a momentous constitutional referendum taking place this Sunday. This marks a pivotal stride towards the restoration of civilian governance within the nation.
Today’s voting commenced at 8 a.m. (0700 GMT) and will conclude at 5 p.m. (1600 GMT). General Mahamat Deby Itno, Chad’s military leader and transitional president, cast his vote at polling station number 03 in the capital, N’djamena.
Approximately 8 million registered voters are participating to determine whether Chad should adopt a new constitution.
The “yes” vote is backed by Chad’s military government led by General Deby, the previous ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), and Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo’s National Union for Democracy and Renewal (UNDR) party.
Anticipations suggest that the “yes” camp is likely to secure victory in the constitutional referendum due to its effective mobilization of voters during the 20-day campaign, compounded by a fragmented opposition.
Preliminary results are expected by late December, subject to validation by the Supreme Court within four days.
In contrast, the “no” vote, supported by opposition parties and select civil society organizations, is calling for a boycott of the referendum.
Certain opposition parties advocate for a “no” vote, citing the government’s perceived failure to propel the country’s development.
This Sunday’s referendum was proposed by the national dialogue, conducted between April and October 2022, aiming to resolve the debate regarding the state’s federal or central nature.
Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization Limane Mahamat, after casting his vote in the capital, informed reporters that the sovereign will of the people would decide the state’s form, a matter previously dividing opinions.
The minister emphasized the significance of passing a fundamental law by the resolutions from the comprehensive and sovereign national dialogue, highlighting that everyone has the right to align with their interests.
General Deby assumed control in Chad in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled for 30 years and passed away on the frontlines in a battle against rebels.
Initially pledging to transfer power to an elected government within 18 months, a deadline that elapsed, Deby later postponed elections until 2024.
