Chad Holds Controversial Elections Amidst Opposition Boycott and Allegations of Fraud

Chad is holding legislative, provincial, and local elections under military rule, with opposition groups boycotting due to claims of previous electoral fraud. Voter turnout is uncertain amid allegations of electoral manipulation and a lack of media coverage. The ruling government, however, presents these elections as essential to transitioning toward democracy.

Chad is conducting legislative, provincial, and local elections on Sunday, marking the culmination of three years of military governance under Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno. The elections face a boycott by opposition figures, who have labeled the previous presidential election as fraudulent. Consequently, this boycott may result in a political landscape dominated by supporters of Itno, who ascended to power in 2021 after his father’s death and later won a contentious election in May 2022.

Opposition leader Succes Masra publicly criticized the electoral process on social media, advising voters to abstain from participating. He articulated concerns about a system rife with deceit, asserting, “The fabricated results are already in the computers.” Additionally, the Democratic Party of the Chadian People voiced allegations of missing ballots in Bongor, thus calling for vigilance among citizens to counteract potential electoral fraud.

Polling stations, operating from 6 am to 6 pm (local time), will host approximately eight million registered voters, under the scrutiny of international observers. Ahead of the elections, armed forces and police personnel conducted their voting on Saturday, suggesting a preemptive approach to ensure a compliant electorate.

These elections unfold against a challenging backdrop, including persistent threats from Boko Haram and accusations concerning Chad’s intervention in neighboring Sudan’s crises. Despite the government’s characterization of the elections as a pivotal step towards democracy, critics suggest that the regime has become more autocratic since Itno took power, citing incidents of violence against anti-government protests in October 2022.

Furthermore, domestic media coverage of the elections is heavily restricted due to a strike by online journalists protesting against governmental censorship. As a result, the local press is expected to refrain from reporting on the election day process, further complicating an already fraught political atmosphere.

The political climate in Chad has been turbulent since the death of former President Idriss Déby in 2021, after a 30-year reign characterized by authoritarian rule. Following his death, his son, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, ascended to power amidst a military coup and was later deemed legitimate in a disputed presidential election. The continuous cycle of postponed elections, combined with widespread discontent over political repression and allegations of electoral manipulation, has led to an atmosphere of distrust and opposition boycotts. The current elections, while framed by the government as steps toward political transition, are marred by serious allegations of fraud and violence against dissenting voices.

In summary, Chad’s upcoming elections signify a critical juncture following three years of military control; however, the opposition’s boycott exemplifies profound discontent with the political process. Despite government claims promoting the election as a step toward democracy, credible allegations of electoral fraud and suppression of dissent raise significant concerns about genuine democratic governance. The dire situation, compounded by violence and media restrictions, casts uncertainty over the future of Chad’s political landscape.

Original Source: www.france24.com