Chad’s General Election: Voter Apathy Amid Opposition Boycott

Chad held a low-turnout general election amid opposition calls for a boycott, with preliminary figures showing just 38% participation. Opposition leader Succes Masra claimed the results were predetermined, and many voters expressed disillusionment with the process. The election is seen as a pivotal moment in the government’s claimed transition to democracy following military rule.

On Sunday, Chad held a general election that is being characterized by the government as a pivotal step toward ending military rule. However, opposition parties urged a boycott, leading to a predicted low voter turnout. Preliminary reports from the electoral authority, ANGE, indicated a turnout of only 38% for the election of a new parliament, provincial assemblies, and local councils. Officials in affluent districts attributed voter indifference to unfavorable weather conditions, while the opposition maintained that the election results had been predetermined under the current regime.

Opposition leader Succes Masra claimed that the majority of voters responded to their boycott call and chose to stay home. This boycott particularly favors candidates aligned with President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who rose to power after a military coup in 2021 and has faced allegations of electoral fraud. On social media, Deby encouraged citizens to participate in what he termed a “historic day.”

Masra has claimed, “The fabricated results are already in the computers,” expressing skepticism about the integrity of the electoral process. Meanwhile, some citizens voiced their frustrations about the opportunities in Chad, with one voter stating that casting a ballot seemed “pointless”. Conversely, another voter expressed hope for essential changes in employment and justice within the nation.

In preparation for the elections, military personnel and nomadic voters participated in early voting to streamline logistics. The election authority reported unusually high turnouts within these groups, noting over 72% participation among soldiers. Furthermore, local leaders addressed pressing issues faced by nomads as climate change exacerbates their living conditions.

The elections are being closely monitored by approximately 100 foreign observers amid allegations of electoral fraud and ongoing violence from the jihadist group Boko Haram. The elections are framed by the government as the concluding phase of their transition to democracy following Deby’s ascension to power after the death of his father in 2021.

Chad has experienced significant political turmoil in recent years, culminating in military rule after the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, assumed power in 2021, claiming a transition to democracy. However, allegations of electoral fraud and manipulation have plagued subsequent elections, leading to widespread skepticism among the opposition and the populace. The call for a boycott of the recent elections showcases the deepening political divide in the country and the reluctance of citizens to engage in what they perceive as an illegitimate process.

The recent general election in Chad, framed by the government as a transition back to democratic governance, has been marred by opposition boycotts and allegations of predetermined outcomes. With low voter turnout and widespread skepticism regarding the electoral process, the legitimacy of the elections remains in question. The involvement of military forces and the continuous threats from extremist groups further complicate the nation’s political landscape, leaving Chad’s path toward true democracy uncertain.

Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv