Chad’s electoral commission seeks military protection for officials and candidates as violence escalates before the December 29 elections. Tensions arise from opposition disruptions against the ruling MPS party. Over 75 opposition groups call the elections a ‘masquerade’, citing fears of electoral manipulation by President Deby. Amidst over 8.3 million registered voters, concerns grow over the legitimacy of the electoral process and potential armed conflict if military support is inadequate.
Chad’s electoral commission has solicited assistance from the military to safeguard election officials and candidates due to an uptick in violent incidents ahead of the impending elections scheduled for December 29. Reports indicate that opposition supporters have resorted to using clubs and iron bars to obstruct the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party from conducting campaign rallies across various towns and cities. The National Election Management Agency (ANGE) has observed a considerable disruption of the election campaign process, which has been marred by threats of violence and actual attacks on candidates and electoral personnel.
Chadian authorities assert that these elections represent a crucial step towards concluding a three-year transitional period initiated after the death of long-standing President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. Assane Bairra, the Vice President of ANGE, has warned that ongoing political tensions could escalate into armed conflict without military intervention to maintain order during the polling process. Despite significant engagement, with over 8.3 million voters registered from a civilian population of 18 million, the process is overshadowed by accusations of manipulation from the ruling party.
Almost 180 political parties have nominated close to 1,300 candidates for the parliamentary elections, alongside many others participating in local council elections. Over 1,000 election observers have been approved to oversee the voting process. However, a coalition of more than 75 opposition parties and civic organizations has denounced the planned elections as a “masquerade,” alleging that President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno intends to manipulate the process to strengthen his control.
In recent events, opposition members have reportedly used clubs and iron bars to disrupt MPS campaign activities in numerous locations, including Ndjamena and Moundou. The military has reportedly intervened to dismantle roadblocks set up by opposition factions to hinder MPS campaign efforts. Avocksouma Djona, the president of Chad’s Party of Democrats, has stated that his supporters have taken action to block all campaign events, calling for the postponement of elections due to concerns over the legitimacy of the electoral management body, which he claims is entirely under Deby’s influence.
Deby, who assumed the presidency following a tumultuous transition after his father’s two-decade-long rule, has declared that the elections will be conducted in a transparent and fair manner, a claim that opposition groups have categorically rejected, insisting on fears of electoral manipulation aimed at sustaining the Deby dynasty.
Despite promising a return to civilian governance after an 18-month transition, Deby has extended the timeline by two years, raising suspicions regarding his ambitions for enduring control over Chadian politics.
The political landscape in Chad has been tumultuous in recent years, particularly following the death of long-time President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. This led to the emergence of transitional leadership under his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. The upcoming elections are portrayed as a pivotal moment to restore civilian governance, yet they are fraught with allegations of electoral fraud, political violence, and suppression of dissent from opposition groups. The centralization of power within Deby’s administration has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity and competitiveness of the electoral process, prompting the need for military protection for election officials and candidates.
In conclusion, Chad’s upcoming elections are overshadowed by violence and allegations of political manipulation, as opposition groups express doubt about the transparency of the electoral process under the current regime. The electoral commission’s request for military assistance underscores the heightened tensions in the run-up to a critical moment in Chad’s political transition. The situation remains precarious, with numerous stakeholders advocating for a fair and legitimate electoral process amidst rising conflict and discontent.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
