Chad’s National Election Management Agency has requested military protection for election officials amid surging violence from opposition groups as elections approach on December 29. Claims of intimidation against the ruling party and skepticism about the elections’ fairness frame a tumultuous political environment as thousands prepare to vote in a crucial electoral period following the transitional government established after the death of President Idriss Deby Itno.
The electoral commission of Chad has formally requested military assistance to safeguard election officials and candidates in light of escalating violence as the December 29 elections approach. Reports indicate that opposition supporters have resorted to physical confrontation by wielding clubs and iron bars to obstruct the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party’s campaign events across multiple locations. The National Election Management Agency (ANGE) has expressed grave concerns over recent disturbances affecting campaign activities, warning that unless military forces are deployed, tensions could lead to severe armed conflict.
Approximately 8.3 million citizens have registered to vote in Chad, amidst a challenging political climate. With around 180 political parties nominating nearly 1,300 candidates for parliamentary elections, numerous civil society factions view the upcoming vote as a “masquerade,” suggesting that it is a ploy for President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and the MPS to solidify their power. Accusations have also surfaced regarding MPS campaigners facing physical attacks from opposition supporters in notable towns such as Ndjamena and Moundou, where the military has intervened to dismantle roadblocks established by opposition factions.
A call for the postponement of elections has been made by certain political figures, emphasizing that all appointments within the election management body are influenced by the preceding regime of the late Idriss Deby Itno. Despite claims by President Deby asserting the upcoming elections will be credible and transparent, skepticism pervades among opposition parties, who believe that the electoral process is rigged to ensure the continuation of authoritarian governance following the transition period initiated after Deby’s father’s lengthy rule.
Chad has experienced significant political transformation following the death of long-serving President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. The transitional government, led by Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, was initially tasked with restoring civilian governance. However, tensions have escalated with rising hostility towards the ruling party, the MPS, from various opposition groups. As the scheduled parliamentary and local elections approach, concerns over violence and electoral integrity have prompted calls for military intervention to maintain security and uphold the democratic process, amid claims of manipulation by the current regime.
The Chadian electoral landscape is precarious, marked by escalating violence and allegations of electoral manipulation. With military support requested to protect election officials and candidates, the upcoming elections are clouded by skepticism surrounding their transparency and fairness. The ongoing tensions between opposition groups and the ruling MPS are a critical concern, as various factions vie for influence in this transitional period. Without a peaceful and credible electoral process, Chad’s struggle for genuine democratic governance may be further jeopardized.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
