Chadian Opposition Calls for Election Cancellation Amid Political Tensions

Chadian opposition parties are demanding the cancellation of the upcoming December 29 elections, claiming widespread boycotting and irregularities. The electoral body has begun vote counting and asserts the legitimacy of the elections, intended to conclude the transitional government established after President Idriss Deby’s death. Tensions are rising as opposition figures call for a new transition, fearing violence and instability if their demands are unaddressed.

Chad is currently experiencing significant political tension as opposition groups demand the cancellation of the forthcoming December 29 elections and the dissolution of the transitional government. Opposition leaders assert that the elections have been widely boycotted by the electorate and are thus illegitimate. In contrast, Chad’s electoral authority has commenced vote counting, asserting the integrity of the elections despite claims of irregularities. The elections were intended to conclude a three-year transitional period initiated after the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. Deby’s son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was previously declared the victor in the presidential election held in May 2021.

Assane Bairra, Vice President of the National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE), reported that approximately 36% of the 8.3 million registered voters participated in the local, provincial, and parliamentary elections held on Sunday. He affirmed that the agency has effectively fulfilled its mandate to ensure free and fair elections, while provisional results are anticipated by January 15. Opposition figures, however, contend that turnout was much lower, asserting that the populace adhered to calls for a boycott, with Avocksouma Djona, spokesperson for the Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP), claiming over 90% of registered voters abstained from participating due to their disillusionment with Deby’s governance.

The political climate remains fraught with tension, as Succes Masra, the leader of The Transformers party, has called for a new transition based on truth and dialogue. He warned that unresolved tensions could escalate into violence. Moreover, political analyst Yamingue Betinbaye expressed skepticism regarding the annulment of elections despite the opposition’s claims of fraud, suggesting that the ruling party would likely maintain its hold on power.

The Chadian government has rebuffed opposition claims, arguing that calls for election cancellation serve only to incite chaos and violence. Authorities have urged citizens to dismiss any incitements to protest against the government, emphasizing the need for stability in the country. The opposition’s repeated accusations of electoral manipulation continue to pose significant challenges to the current political landscape in Chad, leaving many uncertain about the future of governance in the country.

The political situation in Chad reflects a period of instability following the death of President Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled for over three decades. His death in April 2021 led to a transitional government headed by his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby. The upcoming elections were meant to formally conclude this transitional period. However, the opposition has expressed vehement discontent regarding the electoral process, citing claims of widespread voter apathy and allegations of fraud, which contribute to the volatile political environment.

In conclusion, Chad stands at a precipice, with opposition parties fiercely contesting the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, citing widespread boycotts and manipulation of electoral processes. While the government’s election management body claims the elections will conclude a necessary transition period, significant opposition voices advocate for a reevaluation of the political framework to establish a more inclusive and stable system. The future governance of Chad appears mired in contention, as conflicting narratives of electoral legitimacy clash amidst calls for reform and accountability.

Original Source: www.voanews.com