Chadian opposition parties are calling for the cancellation of the December 29 elections, citing low voter turnout due to a boycott. The elections were intended to conclude a transitional government following the death of president Idriss Deby. The National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE) reported approximately 36% participation but faces serious allegations from opposition groups regarding electoral integrity. The government dismisses these claims as attempts to incite unrest, warning against protests.
Chad is currently experiencing a period of political tension as opposition parties demand the cancellation of the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 29. They argue that voter turnout has been significantly low due to a boycott led by opposition factions, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the transitional government established after the passing of former President Idriss Deby in April 2021. The National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE) has begun counting votes for the recent local, provincial, and parliamentary elections, asserting that irregularities will not affect the final results. Assane Bairra, the agency’s vice president, noted that only about 36% of Chad’s registered voters participated, though opposition representatives claim the actual turnout was much lower due to civilian adherence to boycott calls.
The call for a new transition has been reinforced by the spokesperson for Chad’s Political Actors Consultation Group, Avocksouma Djona, who highlighted that over 90% of registered voters heeded the boycott to protest against perceived attempts by Mahamat Idriss Deby, the son of the late president, to extend his father’s authoritarian legacy. Furthermore, Succes Masra, president of The Transformers party, has emphasized the need for a new transitional process marked by truth and reconciliation to establish a more inclusive political framework. Despite these assertions, political analysts, including Yamingue Betinbaye, express skepticism regarding the annulment of the elections, noting that the current government is unlikely to concede to opposition demands. The government has characterized calls for annulment as attempts to incite violence and instability, urging citizens to reject such provocations and maintain social order.
The political landscape in Chad has been tumultuous since the demise of longtime president Idriss Deby Itno, who led the country for over three decades. Following his death, a transitional government was established, headed by his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, which has faced criticism for its authoritarian tendencies. The upcoming elections are meant to conclude this transitional phase; however, widespread opposition claims of voter suppression and manipulation have led to significant calls for a boycott. These developments are indicative of deep-rooted frustrations within the populace regarding governance and political representation, culminating in demands for a reevaluation of the electoral process and greater political inclusivity.
In summary, the opposition in Chad is vocally opposing the forthcoming elections, asserting minimal voter turnout and calling for a cancellation of the voting process. The ruling body, ANGE, stands firm on the legitimacy of the elections despite allegations of irregularities. The stance taken by opposition leaders and analysts indicates a significant rift in Chadian society, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and reform to foster a stable political environment. As tensions rise, the government’s response to these calls will likely determine the future stability of Chad.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
