Chad’s Opposition Demands Cancellation of December Elections Amid Tensions

In Chad, opposition parties demand the cancellation of the Dec. 29 elections, citing low voter turnout and irregularities, while the election management body insists on transparency. With claims of a massive boycott and potential violence from political tensions, the ruling government maintains the elections will proceed, asserting attempts to annul them are efforts to create disorder.

A tense atmosphere prevails in Chad as opposition groups demand the cessation of the transitional government and the cancellation of the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 29. They argue that the elections are largely boycotted by the populace. In contrast, Assane Bairra, vice president of the National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE), maintains that the electoral process is progressing and that their body is committed to transparency throughout the vote counting. Bairra reports that, although approximately 36% of the 8.3 million registered voters participated, opposition leaders contend that actual turnout figures are significantly lower due to widespread boycotts.

The upcoming elections were designed to conclude a three-year transitional period following the death of Idriss Deby Itno, who had been in power for over three decades. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, secured the presidency in May, further exacerbating opposition discontent regarding the potential continuation of authoritarian rule. Avocksouma Djona, spokesperson for the Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP), stated that more than 90% of voters adhered to the opposition’s boycott calls because of frustrations with the ruling party’s tactics.

Succes Masra, president of The Transformers, has voiced demands for a new transition characterized by dialogue and reconciliation to foster a stable political system. He indicates that existing tensions could escalate into violence if not properly addressed. Djona reaffirmed suspicions that, despite the anticipated low turnout, ANGE will declare the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement as victors in the upcoming elections. The government, however, has dismissed these accusations as attempts to incite chaos and instability within the nation.

Yamingue Betinbaye, a political analyst from the University of N’Djamena, explained that while the opposition’s grievances are valid—citing widespread irregularities and instances of ballot rigging—the likelihood of the elections being annulled remains minimal. The government urges citizens to remain steadfast against opposition-led efforts intended to disrupt public order.

Chad has experienced significant political turmoil since the death of President Idriss Deby in April 2021. The transitional government, headed by his son Mahamat Idriss Deby, was established to maintain stability following Deby’s prolonged autocratic rule. The upcoming elections are seen as an attempt to solidify this power transition. Oppositional factions claim the electoral process lacks legitimacy due to alleged irregularities and a significant boycott by the public, while the government’s narrative emphasizes the integrity of the election management body.

In conclusion, Chad is facing crucial political challenges as opposition factions call for the cancellation of the forthcoming elections, citing a lack of legitimacy due to massive public boycotts. As the ruling government insists on the integrity of its electoral process, tensions continue to rise, with the potential for conflict looming. The situation remains critical as stakeholders grapple with the realities of governance and the quest for democratic empowerment within the nation.

Original Source: www.voanews.com