Chadian Opposition Demands Cancellation of Elections Amidst Boycott Claims
In Chad, the opposition is calling for the cancellation of the upcoming elections scheduled for December 29, citing a massive boycott by the public. The National Agency for the Management of Elections confirms that votes are being counted, despite claims of irregularities. Political tensions rise as calls for a new transition emerge, while the government condemns these demands as chaotic.
Chad currently experiences heightened political tension as the opposition demands the cancellation of the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 29. They argue that the elections have been largely boycotted by the populace, undermining their legitimacy. Meanwhile, Chad’s National Agency for the Management of Elections has committed to counting the votes from recent local, provincial, and parliamentary elections. Assane Bairra, vice president of the agency, asserts that the electoral process will be conducted without compromising the outcome despite claims of irregularities.
The elections were intended to mark the conclusion of a three-year transitional government initiated after the death of long-standing President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, has since ascended to power, winning a presidential election in May. Provisional results from the latest elections are expected by January 15, according to the electoral authority. Bairra states that approximately 36% of Chad’s 8.3 million registered voters participated in the recent elections. However, opposition figures contend that participation was much lower, with claims that more than 90% of voters respected their calls for a boycott.
Avocksouma Djona, spokesperson for the Political Actors Consultation Group, conveyed the sentiments of disillusioned Chadians who perceived the current government as an extension of Deby’s authoritarian rule, asserting that dissenting voices are systematically silenced. Additionally, Succes Masra, president of The Transformers, proposed the establishment of a new transition characterized by dialogue and reconciliation as essential for achieving a stable political landscape. Masra warned that continued unrest could escalate into violence and social discord.
Political analyst Yamingue Betinbaye noted that while opposition claims regarding electoral manipulation suggest a disorganized electoral process, the probability of annulment remains slim. Contrarily, the government condemns the opposition’s calls for canceling the elections as attempts to sow chaos and violence within Chad, urging civilians to refrain from participating in potentially disruptive protests.
Chad has been under a transitional government since the death of President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, has taken over leadership, amidst allegations and accusations of attempting to manipulate the democratic process. There are rising tensions as the opposition parties mobilize against what they perceive to be an undemocratic continuation of authoritarian rule. The country’s electoral management body is tasked with overseeing the elections, yet issues of legitimacy and transparency remain contentious, exacerbating the current political landscape.
In summary, Chad is facing significant political unrest as the opposition demands the cancellation of upcoming elections, citing a massive boycott by the populace. While the electoral authority maintains that the elections are valid, opposition leaders call for a new, inclusive transition. The government, in turn, decries these calls as attempts to destabilize the nation, emphasizing the need for national stability in the face of mounting tensions.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
