Chadians have resoundingly endorsed a fresh constitution, a move critics argue may solidify the authority of junta leader Mahamat Idriss Deby.
In a referendum conducted earlier this month, a decisive 86% of voters gave their approval, as announced by the government commission responsible for organising the process on Sunday. The voter turnout, standing at approximately 64%, underscored the significance of this political milestone.
Chad’s Junta has labelled the Constit utionas a crucial precursor to the scheduled elections in the coming year, marking a promised return to democratic governance after seizing power in 2021 following the battlefield death of former President Idriss Deby during a conflict with insurgents.
The freshly endorsed constitution maintains Chad’s historical status as a unitary state since gaining independence. However, dissenting voices had advocated for the establishment of a federal state, arguing that it would catalyse development.
Despite the optimism surrounding the vote, several opposition factions vehemently called for a boycott, alleging excessive control by the junta over the entire Constitution process.
Initially pledging an 18-month transition to elections after his father’s demise, Deby’s government altered course last year by adopting resolutions that not only postponed elections until 2024 but also paved the way for Deby himself to run for the presidency in the impending electoral contest.
