Chadian referendum: Opposition calls for boycott

In a pivotal moment for Chad, polls opened on Sunday for a referendum on a new constitution, signaling a crucial step towards promised elections and the return of civilian rule, which has been delayed by the ruling military junta.

A significant portion of the opposition and civil society in the central African country is urging a boycott, asserting that the plebiscite is a strategic move to facilitate the election of General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, the current transitional president.

Critics argue that this marks the continuation of a “dynasty” initiated by his late father 33 years ago.

Despite a well-financed campaign by the ruling junta, the opposition faces internal divisions, arrests, intimidation, and threats, with the capital N’Djamena adorned with posters advocating for a “yes” vote to establish a constitution for a “unitary and decentralized state.”

The “yes” camp justifies its stance by asserting that a unitary state is essential for preserving national unity, while the opposition, advocating federalism, supports the “no” vote.

Provisional results are expected in late December, with the Supreme Court scheduled to validate them four days later, adding to the suspense surrounding the referendum.

The main platforms of parties and civil society organizations opposing the junta have jointly called for a boycott, hoping that a low turnout will delegitimize the leader they accuse of perpetuating a 33-year “Deby dynasty.”

Posters with the slogan “Stop the referendum” and a big red cross have emerged in spaces where the opposition can make their voices heard.

Max Loalngar, coordinator of one of the groups, Wakit Tamma, expressed the hope that a low turnout would undermine the credibility of the referendum, which he sees as legitimizing the dynasty imposed by the ruling junta.

Critics of both sides dismiss the campaigns, claiming that regardless of the “yes” or “no” outcome, the result is predetermined, and the “yes” vote will emerge victorious.

Transitional President Mahamat Deby, who assumed office in April 2021 following his father’s death, had initially promised elections after an 18-month transition period. However, the regime extended the transition by two years, allowing him to run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for the end of 2024.

The political landscape in Chad has been marred by repression, with a violent crackdown on demonstrators in October 2022.

Between 100 and 300 young individuals were reportedly shot dead in N’Djamena during protests against the extension of the transitional government.

Opposition leaders have faced imprisonment, torture, and disappearance, leading to a climate of fear and a systematic ban on demonstrations.

As the nation awaits the referendum results, concerns loom over the potential transformation of the transitional government into a permanent one, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process in the eyes of the opposition and international observers.