Chad Elections Under Shadow of Boycott and Allegations of Fraud

Chad will hold elections on Sunday after three years of military rule, but opposition parties are boycotting due to allegations of electoral fraud. Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno’s administration claims these elections are vital for democratic transition, yet the opposition warns against manipulation and repression. Media suppression complicates the electoral environment, raising concerns regarding transparency and legitimacy.

On Sunday, voters in Chad will participate in legislative, provincial, and local elections, marking a pivotal moment following three years of military rule. However, the elections are characterized by a boycott from opposition parties, alleging the recent presidential election was marred by fraud. This situation potentially allows candidates aligned with Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, who has governed since 2021, to dominate the electoral landscape.

The opposition’s decision to boycott these elections comes in light of their claims that previous electoral processes, particularly last May’s presidential election, lacked integrity. Opposition leader Succes Masra publicly urged supporters to abstain from voting, characterizing the electoral system as fundamentally fraudulent. He asserted that the governing party has predetermined outcomes, stating, “The fabricated results are already in the computers.”

Moreover, the Democratic Party of the Chadian People reported the mysterious disappearance of over a thousand ballots intended for Bongor, further intensifying concerns of electoral manipulation. Election observers—comprising various political representatives and foreign monitors—will be present to oversee the process, which will be conducted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voting occurs amid ongoing security challenges, including recurring Boko Haram attacks and tensions surrounding Chad’s involvement in the Sudan conflict. Despite these challenges, Marshal Itno’s administration promotes the elections as essential to a transition toward democratic governance, having come to power after the death of his father, Idriss Déby, who had ruled for thirty years.

The electoral landscape in Chad is influenced by a series of postponements over the last decade due to financial, logistical, and security crises. The current political climate has prompted accusations against the government of increasing autocracy and repression, echoed in Masra’s remarks regarding past violent crackdowns on dissent. Compounding these issues is a media silence, as local journalists enter a strike protesting government restrictions.

The upcoming elections are thus not only a test of the electoral system’s integrity but also a reflection of the broader socio-political challenges facing Chad.

Chad has experienced significant turmoil in recent years, transitioning from decades of authoritarian rule under Idriss Déby to military governance after his death in 2021. Following this political upheaval, the new leader, Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, has been attempting to establish legitimacy through elections. However, the political opposition has raised serious concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of electoral processes, alleging widespread fraud and repression.

In summary, Chad’s upcoming elections represent a critical juncture in its political evolution following military rule. The opposition’s widespread boycott reflects deep-seated distrust in the electoral process, emphasizing allegations of past fraud and current manipulations. Amidst security threats and media suppression, these elections will test the resilience and integrity of Chad’s path toward democracy.

Original Source: www.france24.com