Chad Elections Under Scrutiny as Opposition Calls for Boycott

Voting has begun in Chad’s general elections, primarily boycotted by opposition parties who denounce the process as a sham aimed at entrenching the governing party’s authority. Amid public indifference and concerns about corruption, a significant turnout from military personnel and nomadic groups was reported. These elections are seen as a contentious step in a purported transition to democracy under President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, amid ongoing regional violence and calls for genuine electoral reform.

Voting in Chad’s general elections commenced amidst a boycott led by opposition parties, who label the process as a sham meant to consolidate the ruling party’s power. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has characterized the elections as pivotal to a democratic transition, yet the opposition continues to express skepticism. Reports suggest that a significant portion of the population feels indifferent towards the elections, believing the outcome is predetermined in favor of the ruling party.

The voting took place for military personnel and members of nomadic tribes on Saturday for logistical reasons, while the general populace was set to vote the following day. Polls were scheduled to remain open from 6 AM to 5 PM local time. Many Chadians have cited high living costs, alongside concerns of corruption and nepotism, as pressing issues overshadowing the elections.

Despite the call for a boycott from opposition parties such as the Transformers party, early estimates from the elections indicated that approximately 45 percent of soldiers and nomadic tribespeople participated by midday Saturday. The elections are being conducted against a backdrop of ongoing violence in the Lake Chad region, attributed to the rebel group Boko Haram.

President Deby’s administration views these elections as a significant milestone, concluding a three-year transition from military rule after Deby ascended to power in 2021 following his father’s death. Analysts note that while the elections are a critical phase in establishing democratic governance, they remain heavily scrutinized due to perceived biases favoring the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party, raising concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process.

Deby previously secured a five-year presidential mandate in May amid allegations of electoral fraud. The last legislative elections were conducted in 2011, highlighting a prolonged period of political stagnation that many citizens hope to overcome.

The political landscape in Chad has long been dominated by the ruling party, particularly following the transition of power to President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno after the death of his father, who had led the country for three decades. The current elections are part of a promised transition to democracy but face significant opposition from various political factions who doubt their legitimacy. This skepticism is rooted in a history of electoral manipulation and a lack of public confidence in the political system. Given the socio-economic struggles faced by ordinary Chadians, there is a growing disconnect between the populace and the political process, which many view as ineffective in addressing their needs.

In summary, the commencement of voting in Chad’s general elections appears to underscore the disillusionment prevalent among citizens and the strong opposition to what they perceive as an orchestrated effort by the ruling party to maintain power. Despite official declarations of a democratic transition, widespread apathy and skepticism towards the electoral process suggest deep-seated issues within the political framework of Chad. The conflicting narratives surrounding these elections highlight the complexity of governing in a nation seeking to reconcile its troubled past with aspirations for democratic reform.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com