Chad is holding legislative, provincial, and local elections after three years of military rule, but the opposition is boycotting. The elections, perceived as crucial to the political transition, have faced accusations of fraud and a clampdown on dissent. Observers warn that the legitimacy of the electoral process is compromised, raising concerns about the state of democracy in Chad.
Chad is conducting elections this Sunday for legislative, provincial, and local offices, positioning them as a pivotal step in the political transition following three years of military governance. However, these elections are met with a boycott from opposition parties, which favors candidates affiliated with Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno. Itno ascended to power in 2021 and was endorsed by a controversial presidential election in May, which opposition groups condemned as illegitimate.
Opposition leader Succes Masra recommended voters abstain from participating, accusing the electoral system of corruption. He claimed, “It is better to stay at home,” pointing to the alleged manipulation of results and votes intended for various regions, including the disappearance of ballots in Bongor.
Polling stations will operate from 6 am to 6 pm, allowing approximately eight million registered voters to cast their votes, overseen by a hundred foreign observers amidst serious security concerns due to ongoing attacks from the jihadist organization Boko Haram in the Lake Chad area.
Itno’s administration regards these elections as essential in advancing toward democratic governance. Following the death of his father, long-time ruler Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021, the younger Itno secured a five-year term amid accusations of electoral fraud. Chad has not held legislative elections since 2011, with delays attributed to various crises including jihadist violence and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the elections unfold, the opposition expresses profound concern over increasing autocracy and suppression by Itno’s regime. The media landscape is further complicated by a strike by online journalists advocating against governmental restrictions and the absence of private press coverage on election day due to a lack of financial support from the state. Particularly, Masra referenced the violence against demonstrators in October 2022 as indicative of the administration’s heavy-handed approach.
Chad’s electoral processes remain fraught with challenges, indicating a troubling trend in the transition toward a more democratic state.
Chad has been under military rule for three years following the death of its long-time president, Idriss Deby Itno. The military regime, now led by his son, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, argues that the upcoming elections are a step toward restoring democratic governance. However, criticism from opposition parties highlights concerns regarding elections perceived as tainted by fraud and suppression of dissent. The political landscape in Chad remains volatile, compounded by security issues and a constrained media environment. The opposition claims that their voices are being silenced, and that any semblance of a fair electoral process has been undermined by the government’s measures and the exclusion of significant political factions. Without adequate media coverage and with active boycotts, the legitimacy of the elections is questionable.
The elections in Chad, taking place amid a significant opposition boycott and allegations of electoral misconduct, underscore the complexities of transitioning from military rule to a democratic system. With rising concerns of autocracy, public dissent, and a restricted media landscape, the future of Chad’s political landscape remains uncertain. Observers, both domestic and international, will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this electoral process, which the ruling government touts as integral to the nation’s political evolution.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
