Campaigns end for Chad's controversial referendum

Campaigns for the forthcoming Chad constitutional referendum are expected to end on Friday.

On Sunday, Chadians will be voting in the contentious referendum that is widely seen as a move to consolidate power by transitional leader Gen Mahamat Deby.

Gen Deby has been leading the country since 2021, when his father was killed in clashes with rebels.

The adoption of a new constitution is a key step in the country’s transition from the current military-led government to a civilian one in a general election expected in late 2024.

More than eight million Chadians have registered to vote for amendments to the constitution.

Prominent opposition leader Succes Masra has endorsed the draft constitution, giving legitimacy to the document and increasing the likelihood of its passage in the referendum.