Chad’s Elections Under Boycott Amid Allegations of Fraud and Autocracy
Chad conducted legislative, provincial, and local elections on Sunday amid a boycott by opposition parties. The military-led government claims these elections are a crucial step towards democratic transition. Opponents allege widespread electoral fraud, with reports of missing ballots and a lack of independent media coverage, raising concerns about transparency. The political climate remains tense, with critics denouncing increasing autocratic practices and violent repression against dissent.
On Sunday, Chad held a significant electoral event encompassing legislative, provincial, and local elections, which the government portrays as a pivotal step toward ending three years of military governance. However, these elections are notably being boycotted by opposition parties, which may favor candidates aligned with Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, the military leader who ascended to power in 2021. Critics, including opposition figure Succes Masra, emphasize that the electoral process is compromised, alleging that results had already been predetermined and warning voters to remain at home amidst systemic electoral fraud.
The Democratic Party of the Chadian People (PDPT), an opposition organization, reported suspicious irregularities, claiming the disappearance of a substantial number of ballots in Bongor and calling for vigilance against potential fraud by the ruling party. Polling stations were made available to approximately eight million registered voters from 6 am to 6 pm, with monitoring by foreign observers and representatives from various political entities. Voting began earlier for military personnel, police officers, and nomadic citizens.
The electoral process unfolds against a backdrop of increasing threats from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, a recent dissolution of a military accord with France, and accusations that Chad is meddling in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Mahamat Idriss Itno, who received legitimacy from a disputed presidential election last May, claims these elections are essential for progressing to a democratic system. The nation has not seen legislative elections since 2011, primarily due to a myriad of challenges including jihadist dangers and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The political climate remains tense, with opposition leaders criticizing the regime’s autocratic tendencies, particularly recalling violent suppressions of protests in October 2022. The elections are further complicated by a near-complete news blackout following a strike by online journalists protesting governmental restrictions, yielding a lack of independent coverage on the elections. The government’s refusal to provide subsidies generally extended for such events severely limits the capacity of private press coverage, deepening concerns regarding the transparency of the electoral process.
Chad has been under military control since April 2021, following the death of longtime leader Idriss Déby Itno. The military-led government, under his son Mahamat Idriss Itno, has faced significant opposition and accusations of electoral malpractice. The current elections aim to transition back to democratic governance; however, the opposition parties have chosen to boycott the process, citing systemic electoral fraud and repressive measures against dissent. The political environment is characterized by increasing militarization and restrictions on free press, impacting public perception and participation in the electoral process.
In summary, Chad’s elections are marked by significant opposition boycotts, allegations of electoral fraud, and tensions following military rule. The legitimacy of the electoral process is under scrutiny amidst claims of pre-determined outcomes and suppression of dissent. With the country grappling with internal security challenges and external diplomatic tensions, the outcome of these elections may prove to be a pivotal moment in determining Chad’s political future and its movement toward genuine democratic governance.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
