Preventing the constitutional referendum in Chad: determined opponents
In Chad, voices are being raised to oppose the constitutional referendum scheduled for December 17, 2023. These opponents describe the process as illegitimate and opaque and threaten to do everything possible to prevent the vote from taking place.
Max Kemkoye, president of the Union of Democrats for Development and Progress (UDP), and head of the Concertation group of political actors, denounces the lack of inclusion of the constitutional referendum project. According to him, this project is developed in secret by the power in place and its allies, and therefore does not represent the will of the Chadian people. He says: “We don’t see how we can take part in this process. That’s why we have decided to put all our batteries into action to prevent it by December.”
Max Kemkoye does not think that simply voting against or boycotting the referendum will be enough. He considers it necessary to simply prevent it from being held. He therefore announces a “blocking at all levels”, without further details. Faced with criticism of non-respect of democracy, he asserts that it is a legitimate right for a people to oppose a process when public and political freedoms are flouted.
This constitutional referendum plans to maintain the unitary form of the state, a decision strongly criticized by supporters of federalism. The question of the separation of powers and the decentralization of power is therefore at the heart of political debates in Chad.
The determination of the opponents shows that this referendum is not unanimous and that legitimate questions are being asked about its legitimacy and transparency. It is important to follow the evolution of this situation and to see if the opponents will be able to effectively prevent the holding of the referendum.
It should be noted that this article is for informational purposes and does not take a position on the constitutional referendum in Chad. Its purpose is to relate the different opinions and positions expressed by Chadian political actors