Chadians voted in favour of a new constitution that critics believe could help consolidate the power of leader Mahamat Idriss Deby.
A government commission reported Sunday that the referendum held earlier this month was approved by 86 per cent of voters, with a turnout of about 64 per cent.
Chad’s military authorities called the vote a crucial step towards next year’s elections. The government vowed to bring back democracy after taking power in 2021.
The new constitution will preserve the unitary state system that has existed in Chad since gaining independence. Some of its opponents have called for a federal state, arguing this would help stimulate development.
Several opposition groups have called for a boycott of the vote, claiming the government is manipulating the referendum process.
Deby originally promised an 18-month transition to elections after his father’s death, but last year his government passed resolutions that postponed the vote until 2024.
