Chad’s Elections: A Contested Democratic Transition Amidst Opposition Boycotts

Chad held legislative and local elections amid opposition boycotts and accusations of autocracy. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s government markets the elections as a democratic transition step, while the opposition criticizes the legitimacy of the process, citing ongoing violence and humanitarian issues in the country.

On Sunday, Chad conducted legislative and local elections, which the administration led by President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno claims mark a significant move towards democratic transition. However, opposition parties have dismissed the elections as a mere “masquerade.” Amidst this electoral process, the nation grapples with ongoing jihadist attacks by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, the cessation of a military agreement with France, and allegations of interference in the volatile situation in neighboring Sudan.

President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who ascended to power in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, promised a five-year mandate after a controversial election last May that the opposition described as fraudulent. This round of elections is viewed by the government as an opportunity for a “generational renewal” within the National Assembly, following a significant interval since the last legislative elections in 2011 due to various setbacks, including security threats and the pandemic.

The opposition has chosen to boycott the elections, criticizing the government for its autocratic and repressive tendencies. Succes Masra, leader of the Transformers party, articulated the stance of the opposition, stating, “Participating in the legislative elections under the current conditions is participating in legislative apartheid.” Conversely, Minister of Infrastructure, Aziz Mahamat Saleh, defended the elections, suggesting they would empower the President to implement his political agenda.

As these elections unfold, there is a virtual media blackout, as journalists strike against state-imposed restrictions. The situation in Chad is dire, with the country ranking low on the United Nations Human Development Index amidst challenges like a recent severe rainy season that resulted in significant casualties and displacement.

Chad has faced systemic political unrest and humanitarian challenges for decades, marked notably by the enduring rule of the Deby family. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who inherited the presidency from his deceased father, Idriss Deby, is viewed with skepticism by the opposition, criticized for alleged autocratic practices. The context of these elections is further complicated by security threats from jihadist groups like Boko Haram, economic hardships, and political uniqueness caused by a prolonged absence of substantive legislative processes.

In summary, the elections in Chad are emblematic of a deeper political crisis characterized by opposition boycott and governmental claims of democratic transition amidst significant unrest and humanitarian distress. As the Deby administration continues to face accusations of repression and autocracy, the validity of these elections remains contentious, raising questions about the future of democracy in Chad.

Original Source: www.barrons.com