Chad’s electoral commission seeks military protection for officials and candidates amid rising violence as the December 29 elections approach. Opposition groups contest election legitimacy, citing state-sponsored disruption of their rallies. Over 8.3 million voters registered, with claims of rigged elections surfacing as tensions escalate between the ruling party and opposition.
Chad’s electoral commission, the National Election Management Agency (ANGE), has requested assistance from the military to ensure the safety of election officials and candidates in light of increasing violence prior to the December 29 elections. Observations indicate that opposition supporters have utilized clubs and iron bars to obstruct the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party’s campaign activities across various cities. Amid talks of armed conflict, ANGE has reported that over 8.3 million Chadian citizens are registered to vote, and approximately 180 political parties have nominated nearly 1,300 candidates for the parliamentary elections. However, many opposition parties and civil society organizations contest the legitimacy of the elections, claiming they are being manipulated to reinforce President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s power. They have accused the regime of orchestrating violence against their supporters while claiming that the military dismantled roadblocks established by opposition groups. President Deby, who has extended the transitional period, maintains that the elections will be conducted transparently, a claim contested by dissenting groups who believe they are designed to preserve the status quo of his authority.
Chad has been in a state of political turbulence since the death of long-serving President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021, which led to a transitional government headed by his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. Following this transition period, slated for completion by the end of 2023, elections have been scheduled to restore full civilian rule. However, allegations of a biased electoral process persist, wherein opposition factions express concerns about the influence of the ruling party over the electoral management bodies and the constitutional court. The unrest has escalated with reports of violent disruptions at political rallies, raising fears of a return to armed conflict.
In summary, the upcoming elections in Chad are mired in controversy, with significant unrest resulting from violent clashes between opposition supporters and the ruling party. The military’s involvement could be pivotal in securing the electoral process amidst fears of escalating tensions. Despite claims from President Deby regarding the transparency of the upcoming elections, opposition groups contest the credibility of the elections, believing they serve mainly to entrench his power rather than foster a genuine democratic process.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
