Chadian opposition demands the cancellation of December elections and an end to the transitional government, citing widespread boycott and electoral fraud. The electoral authority asserts its commitment to a fair voting process, while political analysts express skepticism about the opposition’s ability to secure the annulment of the elections despite substantial allegations of irregularities.
An atmosphere of tension persists in Chad as opposition leaders demand the cessation of the current transitional government and the annulment of the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 29. The opposition contends that public participation in the elections will be severely diminished due to a widespread boycott, while Chad’s electoral authority claims to uphold the integrity of the voting process. Assane Bairra, vice president of the National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE), asserted that vote counting is currently in progress, maintaining that any irregularities witnessed would not compromise the overall results.
The elections are positioned as a culmination of a three-year transitional phase, initiated following the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was declared the victor in the subsequent presidential election in May. The elections’ provisional outcomes are anticipated by January 15, according to ANGE. However, the agency reported an estimated voter turnout of approximately 36% among Chad’s 8.3 million registered voters, a statistic that opposition parties contest vehemently, claiming the actual turnout reflects their successful boycott efforts.
Avocksouma Djona, spokesperson for the Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP), which encompasses numerous political factions, stated at a press conference in N’djamena that over 90% of the electorate heeded their boycott. Djona underscored the public’s disillusionment stemming from perceived attempts to prolong Deby’s lineage of governance, characterizing the ruling figure as a dictator who suppresses dissent. In alignment with these sentiments, Succes Masra, president of The Transformers, a prominent opposition party, advocated for a new transitional process rooted in dialogue and reconciliation to establish a stable political environment.
Despite these claims, analysts such as Yamingue Betinbaye from the University of N’djamena indicated that while the opposition’s assertions regarding electoral irregularities and substantial boycott participation hold merit, the likelihood that the election results will be annulled remains low. The Chadian government has dismissed opposition calls as attempts to instigate turmoil, urging citizens to refrain from protests that threaten national stability.
The situation in Chad follows a turbulent political landscape marked by the death of long-time ruler Idriss Deby Itno and the subsequent rise of his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, to power. The transitional government, initially formed to guide Chad to democracy, has faced scrutiny and opposition from various political factions, particularly regarding its management of elections. With the backdrop of these political dynamics, allegations of electoral fraud, allegations of a dictatorship, and public calls for a new political transition amidst fears of potential violence create a complex and precarious environment.
In conclusion, the opposition in Chad is calling for the annulment of upcoming elections and the end of the transitional government, citing widespread voter boycott and allegations of electoral fraud as key issues. While the governing electoral authority insists on the legitimacy of the vote process, analysts remain skeptical about calls for annulment being acted upon. The evolving political situation in Chad highlights deep-seated tensions and the persistent challenge of establishing a stable and representative government in the country.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
