Chad Holds Elections Amid Boycotts and Allegations of Fraud

Chad conducted its legislative, provincial, and local elections on Sunday amid opposition boycotts, which have raised concerns over electoral integrity. Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno’s government claims these elections are a crucial step towards democratic transition following three years of military rule. Allegations of fraud and violence persist, complicating the political landscape.

Chad has opened its polls on Sunday to conduct legislative, provincial, and local elections, which the government promotes as a final step towards political transition after three years under military authority. However, these elections face a boycott from opposition parties, creating an environment that favors candidates affiliated with Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, who assumed power following military intervention in 2021. In a recent Facebook live session, opposition leader Succes Masra urged voters to abstain from participating, emphasizing a system built on deceit and electoral fraud, asserting that the official results are pre-determined. Additionally, on the eve of the elections, the opposition Democratic Party of the Chadian People (PDPT) alleged the disappearance of over a thousand ballots designated for Bongor, highlighting concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Polling stations are scheduled to operate from 6 am to 6 pm, catering to approximately eight million registered voters under the scrutiny of a hundred foreign observers. As in prior elections, members of the military, police, and nomadic individuals have already begun voting. The backdrop of this electoral event is marred by ongoing violence from the jihadist group Boko Haram, deterioration in military relations with France, and allegations of Chad’s involvement in the conflict in Sudan.

Marshal Itno’s administration regards this election as a pivotal advancement towards democratic governance, following his contentious election victory in May 2023, which the opposition labeled as illegitimate. The last legislative elections in Chad were conducted in 2011, with several planned votes being delayed due to a combination of threats from extremist groups, fiscal challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Itno’s ascension, a 93-member transition parliament has been formed through a presidential decree, although the opposition contends that the current regime has grown increasingly authoritarian and oppressive.

The political situation in Chad has been rife with turmoil, particularly following the death of long-standing ruler Idriss Deby Itno in 2021, after which his son, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, rose to power through military intervention. This created a political vacuum and unrest, leading to calls for democratic reforms and elections. However, the opposition has repeatedly accused the regime of electoral malpractice and increasing suppression of dissent. Various factors, such as financial constraints, security threats from extremist groups, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, have consistently hindered the electoral process. Given these circumstances, the current elections are viewed as essential for the country’s return to democratic normalcy.

In summary, the elections in Chad represent a critical phase in the nation’s quest for democratic governance post-military rule. The boycott from opposition factions casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the elections, raising concerns regarding election integrity and transparency amidst allegations of systemic fraud. Meanwhile, ongoing violence and external conflicts further complicate the situation. It remains to be seen how these elections will impact Chad’s political landscape and the aspirations for a stable democracy.

Original Source: www.barrons.com