Chad Holds Contested Elections Amid Opposition Boycotts and Alleged Fraud

Chad conducted elections for legislative, provincial, and local positions on Sunday, which marked a purported progression towards democratic governance after three years of military authority. These elections were largely boycotted by opposition parties, leading to claims of electoral manipulations by the ruling regime. The political environment is further complicated by ongoing tensions and the absence of independent media coverage during the electoral period.

Chad held elections on Sunday covering legislative, provincial, and local positions, characterized by a government narrative as the final phase of a political transition following three years of military governance. However, this electoral process has been largely boycotted by the opposition. Consequently, candidates aligning with Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno benefit from the boycott, as he was initially installed by the military following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021. In a statement on Facebook, opposition leader Succes Masra declared, “It is better to stay at home,” denouncing the political climate as one rife with deception and electoral fraud, asserting that, “The fabricated results are already in the computers.” The opposition Democratic Party of the Chadian People (PDPT) further alleged that over a thousand ballots had vanished ahead of the elections, urging supporters to remain vigilant against potential electoral malpractice orchestrated by the ruling MPS party.

The elections oversee approximately eight million registered voters, monitored by foreign observers and political party representatives, despite the occurrence of attacks by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad area and ongoing military tensions with France. This electoral occasion marks Chad’s first legislative elections since 2011, previously postponed due to jihadist threats and the global pandemic. Meanwhile, opposition representatives have voiced concerns over the increasing authoritarian nature of the administration, referring to the tragic unrest during opposition protests in October 2022. News coverage of the elections was severely limited due to a strike by online journalists protesting the imposed restrictions, resulting in the overall absence of coverage by the country’s private press.

Despite widespread discontent amongst the populace and the opposition’s abstention, the ruling party continues to promote these elections as pivotal for the establishment of democratic governance.

Chad has been ruled by a military government since the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021, which paved the way for his son, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, to assume power. This transition has faced numerous challenges, including calls for democratic reforms and criticism for perceived electoral fraud. The elections in question represent an attempt by the current government to move towards a formalized political structure, although they have been marred by legitimacy issues, with significant opposition boycotts and related unrest underscoring a deeply divided political landscape.

In conclusion, the recent electoral proceedings in Chad reflect a significant moment in the country’s ongoing transition from military rule to a democratic system. However, the active boycott by opposition parties, allegations of electoral manipulation, and constraints on press freedom highlight the complexities of establishing a legitimate political framework. As the populace grapples with the consequences of military governance, the future of Chadian democracy remains uncertain against a backdrop of ongoing violence and political suppression.

Original Source: www.barrons.com