Chad Conducts General Election Amid Opposition Boycott and Low Turnout

Chad held general elections amidst a boycott from opposition parties, resulting in a low turnout of approximately 38 percent. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno urged citizens to participate, labeling the day as historic, while critics questioned the election’s legitimacy and raised concerns about pre-determined results. Amidst ongoing political and security challenges, voters expressed desires for change in governance and conditions.

Chad conducted a general election on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in its transition from military governance, which has persisted for three years. However, voter turnout is anticipated to be notably low, largely due to a boycott initiated by opposition groups. Preliminary reports from the national elections agency indicate that only 38 percent of eligible voters participated in the election for a new parliament, local councils, and provincial assemblies. Opposition leader Succes Masra claimed that a substantial majority abstained from voting as a result of their call for non-participation, asserting that the election results were predetermined.

President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who ascended to power following the military takeover in 2021, encouraged citizens to vote en masse, portraying the day as historical. Local conditions influenced voter sentiments, with many expressing skepticism about the election’s legitimacy. A construction worker-turned-motorbike taxi driver, for instance, articulated feelings of futility regarding the electoral process, stating that a true democratic vote is absent in Chad. Conversely, other voters articulated their aspirations for change, seeking improvements in employment, justice, and equality.

Concerns about electoral integrity were voiced by the Democratic Party of the Chadian People, which reported the disappearance of over a thousand ballots in one area. Despite the ongoing instability due to threats from extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the geopolitical disturbances within the region, the government positioned the elections as pivotal for democratic transition. These elections follow the death of former long-standing leader Idriss Deby in 2021 and are framed as integral to establishing a more participatory governance framework in Chad.

Chad has faced significant political upheaval, transitioning from longstanding autocratic rule to military governance following President Idriss Deby’s death in 2021. Since then, military forces have governed the nation, and the current leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, touts elections as critical to restoring democracy. However, these elections have stirred controversy, particularly with opposition parties challenging both the integrity of the electoral process and the legitimacy of the ruling military government. The context of underdevelopment, regional violence, and economic hardship further complicates the political landscape.

The recent general elections in Chad have highlighted deep-seated political discontent among voters, exacerbated by calls for a boycott from opposition leaders. While the government insists that the elections are a crucial step towards returning to democratic rule, voter apathy suggests significant skepticism regarding the electoral process and its outcomes. The situation remains precarious, with ongoing concerns about legitimacy, socioeconomic challenges, and threats from extremist groups further influencing public sentiment.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr