Chad is experiencing heightened tensions ahead of the upcoming elections, with opposition and civil society groups threatening to disrupt the polls on Sunday. They accuse President Mahamat Idriss Deby of planning to rig the elections and warn citizens to stay home to avoid violence. Safety concerns regarding voter protection persist, and opposition sentiments against the government are growing, culminating in a significant call for a boycott of the elections.
Tensions are escalating in Chad as opposition and civil society groups prepare to disrupt the upcoming local council, regional, and parliamentary elections scheduled for this Sunday. The groups allege that these elections will be manipulated to benefit the current President Mahamat Idriss Deby. They have taken to the streets, warning citizens to refrain from voting to avoid potential violence. In the capital, N’djamena, residents express uncertainty surrounding the elections, heightening fears of civil unrest.
Limana Abba, a 23-year-old student in N’djamena, remarked that opposing factions have been imploring people to abstain from casting their votes. There are pervasive concerns among voters about the ability of security forces to ensure safety amidst threats of potential violence against those who choose to participate in the elections. Although the government has assured the public of their protection, doubts linger regarding the efficacy of these promises in safeguarding the rights of voters and candidates.
Chadian officials confirmed they have mobilized military and police forces to protect civilians and maintain order during the elections. However, Soumaine Adoum, the spokesperson for the Wakit Tama coalition, emphasized that the civilian population has lost trust in President Deby, who appears determined to perpetuate his family’s political legacy. He urged citizens to protest by remaining at home to signify their dissent against the government’s track record of violence, corruption, and civil rights abuses.
The Elections Management Body, ANGE, has hailed the upcoming elections as a milestone towards restoring the National Assembly dissolved in 2021 following the transition of power after the passing of former President Idriss Deby Itno. Despite government assurances of conducting free and fair elections, opposition voices remain skeptical, citing past instances of ballot box stuffing and election rigging. Opponents of the elections have faced arrests leading up to the polls, indicating a climate of fear within Chadian society as the election date approaches.
The government plans to conduct voting for military personnel the day before general voting occurs, positioning troops to address any disturbances that may arise on election day. As the nation braces for this critical moment in its political landscape, the potential for civil unrest looms large amidst calls for a boycott of the elections.
The political situation in Chad is fraught with tension following the death of long-time President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021, which precipitated a military-led transition. The upcoming elections are critical as they mark the end of this transition period and aim to restore a legislative assembly that was disbanded following the military takeover. However, widespread apprehension persists regarding the integrity of the electoral process, particularly in the face of opposition claims that the elections will be rigged in favor of the current regime under Mahamat Idriss Deby. Amid ongoing civil unrest, many citizens are fearful of participating due to threats of violence from both governmental and opposition elements, creating a complex and volatile electoral environment.
The impending elections in Chad are marred by significant tension and opposition to the government’s adherence to democratic principles. With civil society groups warning against voter participation and expressing distrust towards the ruling administration, the potential for unrest remains palpable. As the Chadian government prepares security measures amidst allegations of electoral irregularities, the true test will be whether citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear of reprisal or violence, further complicating the country’s nascent political landscape.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
