Sassou-Nguesso, nonetheless, went ahead with the referendum, asking the Congolese people if they would grant the amendments necessary for him to hold onto power. 
Sassou-Nguesso, hata hivyo, aliendelea na mpango wake na kuitisha kura ya maoni, akiwauliza wananchi wa Kongo kama wanaweza kubariki marekebisho yanayoweza kumwezesha kubaki madarakani.