Chadian Opposition Demands Cancellation of Elections Amid Tensions

Chadian opposition calls for cancellation of December 29 elections, citing widespread boycott. Election management claims a 36% voter turnout, while opposition alleges over 90% boycott adherence. Political tensions rise as calls for a new transition emerge, urging stability and reconciliation amid accusations of electoral misconduct and government repression.

Chad is currently experiencing political tension as opposition groups demand the cancellation of the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 29. They argue that the transitional government must end, claiming a significant boycott of the election process. According to Assane Bairra, the vice president of Chad’s National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE), vote counting is underway, and preliminary results are expected by January 15, despite opposition assertions of a low turnout.

The recent elections were intended to conclude a three-year transition period that followed the death of longstanding President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, is alleged to seek to perpetuate his father’s legacy of governance through these elections. Opposition spokesperson Avocksouma Djona contends that over 90% of Chad’s estimated 8.3 million registered voters adhered to calls for a boycott, expressing dissatisfaction with the current regime’s perceived authoritarianism.

In a recent press briefing, Success Masra, president of The Transformers political party, advocated for a new transition characterized by dialogue and reconciliation to build a stable political environment. He indicated that the existing conflicts could escalate into violent unrest if left unaddressed. Political analyst Yamingue Betinbaye expressed skepticism regarding the possibility of annulling the elections despite the opposition’s claims of electoral malpractices, including ballot manipulation.

The government has voiced strong opposition to calls for cancellation and has accused the opposition of inciting unrest, urging citizens to refrain from engaging in potentially destabilizing protests. The political climate in Chad remains precarious as both sides prepare for the forthcoming electoral outcome against a backdrop of deepening unrest.

Chad has been in a prolonged state of political unwillingness since the demise of long-serving President Idriss Deby Itno. The transitional government led by Mahamat Idriss Deby aims to stabilize the country through scheduled elections, making them a pivotal moment for the nation, which has been under military rule since Deby’s death in April 2021. However, the opposition argues that these elections are a means to validate the continuation of Deby’s family’s hold on power. Historically, Chad’s political landscape has been marred by authoritarian rule and civil unrest, rendering such elections contentious.

The call by opposition parties for the cancellation of Chad’s December elections illustrates the ongoing strife between the ruling government and dissenting political factions. As allegations of electoral misconduct persist, the government maintains that the elections will be conducted fairly, with results forthcoming. This fundamental disagreement highlights the fragile state of democracy in Chad and raises concerns over potential violence should the situation remain unresolved.

Original Source: www.voanews.com