As part of its commitment to fostering widespread and responsible citizen participation in the upcoming elections on December 29, 2024, the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) organized a series of cultural events across several provincial capitals in Chad. Held on December 6, the eve of the electoral campaign set to run from December 7 to 27, these events blended culture and electoral education to raise awareness regarding the stakes of three simultaneous elections. This initiative also marked a historic double milestone for Chad: the first-ever provincial elections and the unprecedented organization of three elections on the same day.
The cultural and educational tour spanned the southern axis, targeting the provincial cities of Bongor, Moundou, and Sarh, and on the northern axis, the cities of Mao, Mongo, and Abéché. Each locality celebrated its cultural richness while delivering a strong message about the importance of democratic participation.
Traditional dances such as Daboula, Djal Kandil, Djindjinki, Dongoh, Gangali, Gourna, Kanembou, Koloand Ngam, Labé Klague, Lélé, Maba, Ndallanga Mousseye, and others, celebrated for their captivating rhythms and deep roots in local traditions, enthralled audiences with their dynamic energy and cultural richness. Each performance carried the essence of the communities it represented, blending artistry with a strong sense of identity and heritage. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these dances conveyed a profound message: voting is not just a civic duty but also a vibrant celebration of democracy and citizenship. By merging culture with civic engagement, these artistic displays served as a unifying force, inspiring pride and a renewed commitment to active participation in shaping the nation’s future.
In some localities, humorous sketches illustrated common scenarios related to elections, such as verifying voter registration or avoiding pitfalls during the campaign. These playful performances captivated participants, particularly young people, fostering engagement with the democratic process.
Cultural demonstrations were interspersed with educational sessions led by ANGE’s representatives and EISA’s civic educators. These interventions underscored the critical need for voters to grasp the significance of the electoral campaign and thoughtfully analyze the platforms presented by the thousands of candidates vying for office.
An interactive quiz, inspired by the popular Question pour un Champion format, allowed many participants to test their electoral knowledge. Winners received small prizes such as keychains, T-shirts, and caps branded with election-themed messages. Additionally, EISA’s civic educators distributed flyers and brochures, designed by the National Agency for Election Management (ANGE), which visually reinforced essential steps in the electoral process.
Each event culminated in a dynamic musical show, synchronized across all cities. The performances featured the official election anthem, composed by the artist Daison, alongside other lively tunes that invigorated the audience. These festive moments fostered a sense of unity and heightened citizens’ enthusiasm for these pivotal elections.
By intertwining civic education with cultural celebration, EISA effectively mobilized citizens in an innovative and meaningful way. These events left a lasting impression, inspiring collective awareness of the importance of voting while honoring the country’s cultural diversity.
Through this initiative, culture has proven to be a powerful tool for mobilization and civic awareness, laying the groundwork for successful and inclusive elections in Chad.
This blog post was made possible thanks to financial support from the European Union under grant agreement No. NDICI AFRICA/2022/435-927. The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU.
