In the 3rd arrondissement of Chad, a serene scene unfolds at the registration center as the electoral register revision campaign draws to a close. With no queues or commotion, the process is peacefully concluding. While some Chadians opted to boycott the operation, individuals like Kalki prioritize fulfilling their civic duty.
Kalki, one of the participants, emphasized the importance of voter registration: “In order to vote, we absolutely must have a card that proves that we are Chadians. That’s why I’ve come to register to get my voter’s card and then choose my candidate.”
In Chagoua, citizens remain resolute. Possessing a voter’s card is seen as the primary means to express citizenship and freely select candidates in future elections.
Milemen Florence emphasized the significance of registration, stating, “I think it’s very important to do this. We absolutely have to register because, afterward, it will really cost us. So the best thing is to be registered.”
Dana Paul expressed hope for change, saying, “There’s a saying that not every day is Sunday. Perhaps this time there will be a change. People are not going to carry on with the past. There’s going to be a change all the same.”
At the outset of the electoral roll revision, federalists had threatened to boycott due to alleged irregularities. However, they now advocate for an extension of the process.
Gapili Tedang, a member of the Coordination for CORE TCHAD, highlighted the importance of this stage for future elections: “This stage is important, not only for the referendum but also for future elections. That’s why we’ve called on our activists and the entire population to register for this process. So it’s a civic process, and we’re calling for it to be resumed in areas that were not accessible, to enable all citizens to register.”
The revision of the electoral roll primarily targets Chadians of voting age who were not included in the last electoral roll of 2021.