The advisers gathered in the premises of the National Assembly began the debates on the text adopted at the beginning of the month by the Council of Ministers and proposes to preserve the form of the decentralized unitary State. A project whose adoption by the CNT should only be a formality because even before the opening of the debates, the transitional advisers adopted with a large majority a “motion of support” for the text.
With our correspondent in Ndjamena, Carol Valade
The National Transitional Council began Monday, June 26 the study of the draft new Constitution proposed by the government. For the executive, it is above all a question of legitimizing the current power with a return to constitutional order putting an end to the transition.
The text takes up the essence of the 1996 Constitution by adding the recommendations of the national dialogue. The Senate, the High Court of Justice, the Supreme Court, among others, are rehabilitated. Among other things, the age to be a candidate for the presidency of the Republic is reduced to 35 years and one must be born Chadian, of Chadian parents. A point that caused some turmoil in the assembly.
The default unit state in the project
The Constitution submitted to referendum maintains a decentralized unitary state, to the great displeasure of the federalists. ” There is deception on the goods “says an adviser. ” The government is forging ahead by presenting us with the fait accompli of a decentralized unitary state, continues Béral Mbaï Koubou. It would have been easier to put two Constitutions to the vote of our fellow citizens. One for the federal form of the state and the other for the unitary form. »
It would be logistically too complex and financially too costly to organize two referendums, replied the Minister Secretary General of the Government. To the great satisfaction of Councilor Lamane Ngarmbatina: “ This referendum is a coupled election. It will take into account the form of the State and also the new Constitution. If the yes wins, and it is our wish, it is the highly decentralized unitary form that will be topical in our country. »
So for the unitary state, all you have to do is vote yes to the new Constitution, which will therefore be adopted as is. On the other hand, for the federal state, it would be necessary that the no prevails, in which case the government will have to propose a new fundamental law. The debates are continuing and the councilors will vote on the text on Tuesday 27 June.