Chad Conducts Elections Amid Opposition Boycott and Fraud Allegations
Chad votes in legislative, provincial, and local elections following three years of military rule, facing an opposition boycott. Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno’s government claims these elections are pivotal for democracy, though accusations of fraud persist. Reports of missing ballots and attacks on opposition manifest concerns over transparency and legitimacy as Chad navigates internal strife and armed threats.
On Sunday, Chad’s citizens participated in legislative, provincial, and local elections, which the government has framed as a pivotal step in transitioning from three years of military rule. However, the opposition is boycotting these elections, thereby leaving the field primarily to candidates loyal to Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, who ascended to power following a military coup in 2021. He further solidified his position via a presidential election last May, which opposition parties criticized as fraudulent.
Opposition leader Succes Masra emphasized the futility of participating in what he considers a rigged process, condemning the government for its lack of transparency and integrity. In a worrying development, the opposition’s Democratic Party of the Chadian People reported that over a thousand ballots had gone missing in Bongor, urging voters to remain vigilant against potential electoral malpractice orchestrated by the ruling party.
Approximately eight million registered voters were scheduled to cast ballots from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day, under the watchful eyes of foreign observers and various political party representatives. Voting commenced a day earlier for military personnel, police officers, and nomadic communities. The elections occurred amidst escalating security threats from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, the dissolution of a military accord with France, and accusations against Chad for its involvement in the ongoing Sudan conflict.
Marshal Itno, who inherited leadership following the demise of his father Idriss Deby Itno, characterized the elections as integral to restoring democratic governance. The 2021 transition parliament was inaugurated via presidential decree, and while the previous legislative elections took place in 2011, subsequent elections faced numerous delays due to security concerns and health crises. Repressive measures against dissent have led opposition figures to describe the current regime as increasingly authoritarian—a sentiment underscored by Masra during his address referencing violent responses to opposition rallies in October 2022.
Despite efforts from the ruling party to rally public support, the elections were shadowed by a virtual media blackout resulting from a strike by online journalists protesting government restrictions. Moreover, the absence of coverage from private press organizations stemmed from the government’s refusal to provide customary funds associated with electoral processes.
Chad has been governed under military rule since a coup in 2021, following the death of long-standing leader Idriss Deby Itno. Under the leadership of his son, Mahamat Idriss Itno, the government has attempted to present these elections as a democratic transition stage. However, the political atmosphere is characterized by widespread opposition boycotts, accusations of electoral fraud, and mounting discontent regarding government authoritarianism. This election marks a significant moment for Chad, as it seeks to navigate its return to democracy amidst regional instability and internal challenges.
The elections in Chad signify a crucial attempt by the government to transition toward democratic governance after years of military rule. However, the effective boycott by opposition parties dismantles the legitimacy of the electoral process, raising serious concerns over transparency and fairness. As the country grapples with challenges from both a security and a political standpoint, the outcome of these elections will likely have lasting implications on Chad’s future direction.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
