The opposition in Chad calls for the cancellation of upcoming elections, citing boycotts and alleged electoral manipulation. They demand a new transition to ensure stability and inclusivity. Despite claims of significant voter turnout, opposition parties assert that public support was minimal, prompting warnings of potential violence ahead of the elections set for December 29.
Chad remains in a state of tension as opposition parties call for the immediate dissolution of the transitional government and the cancellation of the forthcoming general elections scheduled for December 29. The opposition suggests a substantial boycott of the elections, countering the claims of the country’s electoral management body, which has committed to counting votes despite alleged irregularities. Assane Bairra, the vice president of Chad’s National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE), stated that the counting process is currently ongoing after the local and parliamentary elections held recently.
The electoral process is critical, particularly as it marks the conclusion of a three-year transition stemming from the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was recognized as the winner in a subsequent presidential election. Despite ANGE’s assertions of transparency and integrity in managing the electoral proceedings, opposition groups express grave concerns. They argue that voter turnout was significantly lower than reported, with Avocksouma Djona, spokesperson for the Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP), claiming over 90% of registered voters honored the boycott.
The opposition’s stance reflects widespread anger towards the administration’s perceived desire to perpetuate a dictatorial legacy, a sentiment echoed by Succes Masra, leader of The Transformers party. He advocates for a new political transition founded on truth and reconciliation, warning of potential violence should tensions persist. Analysts, such as Yamingue Betinbaye, acknowledge the legitimacy of the opposition’s claims regarding electoral irregularities but consider it improbable that the calls for annulment would succeed.
The Chadian government, in response to these developments, termed the opposition’s demands as attempts to incite chaos and unrest. They urge citizens to reject calls for protests that may destabilize the nation, reinforcing the tensions between the ruling party and opposition factions.
The current political climate in Chad is marked by a transitional government instituted after the death of longtime leader Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. The transitional leader’s legitimacy has come into question due to accusations of electoral manipulation and lack of public support. The country is now preparing for elections intended to conclude the transition period; however, significant discontent among the populace and opposition factions suggest deepening divisions and concerns regarding the democratic process.
In summary, the opposition in Chad is vigorously advocating for the cancellation of the scheduled elections and the formation of a new, inclusive transitional government. This call arises from perceptions of widespread electoral misconduct and a lack of genuine representation of the electorate’s will. The situation remains precarious as the government maintains that such opposition actions threaten national stability, potentially leading to further social unrest.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
