However, the ballot appears to strongly favor General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno from the outset, primarily due to the government’s disregard for the national dialogue’s recommendation to allow the people to determine the form of the state. Despite some factions of the opposition advocating for federalism, the government is supporting only one proposal—the unitary state.
In N’Djamena, walls are adorned with posters advocating for a “yes” vote on a constitution for a “unitary and decentralized state,” a concept not markedly different from the one annulled by the military in 2021, consolidating a regime where the head of state holds significant power.
The likelihood of the “yes” vote prevailing seems high, propelled by a formidable government campaign that overshadows the “no” campaign. This campaign is partly built on the endorsement of Succès Masra, an opposition figure who entered into a tentative agreement with the military in late October. This alliance presents a formidable challenge to a fragmented opposition that has faced violent repression for over a year.
The upcoming referendum marks the final step toward the elections promised by the junta, which has been in power since 2021.
The two main opposition party platforms, critical of the junta, are urging a boycott and displaying posters that read “Stop the referendum” with prominent red crosses. Their hope is that a low voter turnout will delegitimize a general they accuse of perpetuating a 33-year “Déby dynasty.”
Quest: Emmanuel kelvin