Chad’s Electoral Commission Requests Military Protection Ahead of Upcoming Elections

Chad’s electoral commission seeks military support to protect officials and candidates as violence escalates ahead of the December 29 elections. Opposition groups have disrupted events, leading to concerns over the electoral integrity. The upcoming elections are pivotal in concluding a three-year transitional period following the death of President Idriss Deby Itno.

Chad’s electoral commission, the National Election Management Agency (ANGE), has requested military assistance to safeguard election officials and candidates amid escalating violence before the forthcoming elections on December 29. Reports indicate that opposition supporters have engaged in violent disruptions against the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party, utilizing clubs and iron bars in various regions. The agency has noted that the campaign period has been marred by incidents aimed at obstructing rallies and threatening officials.

As Chad approaches its parliamentary, local, and regional elections, these elections signify the conclusion of a three-year transitional period initiated after the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. Vice President Assane Bairra of ANGE warned that if military forces do not intervene, the existing tensions could escalate into more serious conflicts. Approximately 8.3 million of Chad’s 18 million eligible voters are registered for the elections, and nearly 1,300 candidates from around 180 political parties will compete, alongside thousands more for local positions.

Despite the extensive preparations, there is significant opposition to the elections from a coalition of over 75 parties and civil society groups, branding the electoral process a “masquerade.” They assert that President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno primarily aims to maintain power rather than allowing a genuine democratic transition. Incidents of violence have been reported, where opposition factions attacked MPS campaign vehicles in major cities. In response, the military has intervened to dismantle blockades established by opposition groups.

Avocksouma Djona, the president of Chad’s Party of Democrats, expressed concerns over the integrity of the electoral process, arguing that all personnel involved in the election management were appointed by Deby, who also exercises control over the constitutional court. Deby has publicly proclaimed the upcoming elections will be fair; however, opposition leaders dismissed this assertion as an effort to orchestrate electoral fraud, thereby perpetuating the control his family has exerted over the country for decades. Deby himself became the transitional president following his father’s rule, having promised a transition to civilian governance that has now been extended.

Chad has been navigating a challenging political landscape since the passing of its long-time president, Idriss Deby Itno, in April 2021. Following his death, a transitional government was established, led by his son Matthmat Idriss Deby Itno. The country has faced increased political unrest, with opposition parties expressing concerns over the transparency and legitimacy of the upcoming elections. The military’s involvement, as requested by the electoral commission, underscores the precarious nature of the upcoming electoral process as various factions attempt to assert their influence amidst rising tensions.

In summary, the calls for military protection ahead of Chad’s elections highlight the fraught political environment as the country attempts to emerge from a lengthy transitional period. With significant opposition to the electoral process and allegations of potential biases within the electoral management bodies, the upcoming elections will be crucial in determining whether Chad can successfully transition to stable civilian governance. The outcome will depend largely on both the actions of the military and the response of the electorate amidst ongoing civil unrest.

Original Source: www.voanews.com