Chadian Opposition Demands Cancellation of Elections Amidst Boycott Calls

Chad’s opposition is demanding an end to the transitional government and the cancellation of the December 29 elections, citing widespread boycott. Despite the elections management body moving forward with counting votes, opposition leaders claim discontent is significant. Calls for new transitional governance reflect deep-rooted discontent with President Deby’s regime, labeled as dictatorial by dissenters.

In Chad, the opposition has raised significant concerns regarding the upcoming December 29 elections, insisting that they should be canceled. They are demanding the immediate dissolution of the transitional government, claiming that the recent elections have experienced substantial boycotting. The Chadian elections oversight body, however, maintains that they are moving forward with counting the votes and declaring the results, asserting that any irregularities encountered will not affect the overall outcomes.

Assane Bairra, the vice president of Chad’s National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE), indicated that vote counting has commenced following local, provincial, and parliamentary elections held on a recent Sunday. These elections are part of the transition process initiated after the death of longtime President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021, with his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, previously declared the winner of the presidential elections in May. Provisional election results are slated for release by January 15, as per ANGE’s announcement.

Despite ANGE asserting a voter turnout of approximately 36% of Chad’s registered 8.3 million voters, opposition parties refute this figure. Avocksouma Djona, spokesperson for the Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP), a coalition of numerous political groups, stated at a press conference that over 90% of registered voters adhered to the boycott, citing dissatisfaction with the established political order under Deby’s rule. He characterized Deby as a dictator who suppresses dissenting voices, fueling public frustration.

Additionally, Succes Masra, president of The Transformers party, called for a renewed transitional approach based on truth and dialogue, emphasizing the need for a stable and inclusive political environment. Masra, a former prime minister under transitional President Deby, expressed concerns that current tensions could escalate into violence. Djona echoed these sentiments, suggesting that despite the boycott, it is likely that ANGE will still declare Deby’s Patriotic Salvation Movement victorious in the upcoming elections.

Notably, prior to the elections, opposition factions accused Deby of electoral manipulation—a charge he has consistently denied. Political analyst Yamingue Betinbaye from the University of N’djamena provided insight, acknowledging the opposition’s legitimate claims regarding the boycott and alleged electoral irregularities, while expressing skepticism about the possibility of annulment as requested by the opposition. The government has countered, arguing that calls for cancellation are a means to incite chaos, urging civilians to reject opposition incitement for protests that could disrupt national stability.

The political climate in Chad has been tumultuous, particularly after the death of President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021, which led to significant upheaval as his son took power. The current transitional government is at the center of controversy, with opposition parties claiming widespread boycotting of the upcoming elections due to discontent with the existing regime. Ongoing allegations of electoral malpractice have further complicated the situation, painting a picture of deep-seated mistrust between the ruling party and opposition groups.

The opposition in Chad is fervently advocating for the cancellation of the upcoming elections, asserting that their integrity has been compromised. With accusations of a massive boycott and claims of electoral fraud against the ruling government, tensions continue to rise. While the electoral management body remains steadfast in its process, the opposition has made it clear that without reform, the path to political stability is fraught with challenges.

Original Source: www.voanews.com