Chad Faces Low Turnout in General Election Amid Opposition Boycott
Chad held a general election amid calls for an opposition boycott, resulting in an expected low turnout. The opposition claimed the election was rigged and urged citizens to abstain, while President Deby encouraged voting as a historic step towards democracy. Despite formal reports of high turnout among military and nomadic populations, public disillusionment with the electoral process is evident.
Chad conducted a general election on Sunday, which the government hailed as a significant step towards the termination of military rule. However, voter turnout was predicted to be low, with midday reports indicating only 38 percent participation. The opposition urged citizens to boycott the election, claiming the outcomes had been predetermined. Succes Masra, leader of the Transformers party, stated that the vast majority adhered to the call to abstain from voting, which would advantage President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno’s chosen candidates. In contrast, President Deby called on compatriots to vote in large numbers, expressing optimism on social media about the historic nature of the day.
On Saturday, Masra commented, “The fabricated results are already in the computers,” highlighting the opposition’s skepticism regarding the election’s legitimacy. Many citizens expressed feelings of futility towards the electoral process. As a case in point, a young worker turned taxi driver remarked that casting a ballot feels pointless, stating that “there’s no real voting in Chad.” Meanwhile, other voters, such as 39-year-old Patrice Lumumba Deoumoundou, participated in hopes of systemic change, citing unemployment and the need for justice and equality.
Chad’s electoral management agency reported significant turnout rates among military personnel and nomadic communities, with over 72 percent and 54 percent respectively. Sheikh Djibrine Hassabakarim discussed local needs, stressing the impact of climate change on nomadic livelihoods. Polling stations were slated to remain open until 6:00 PM, under the scrutiny of foreign election monitors and political party representatives. Notably, the opposition reported incidents of ballot mismanagement, including the disappearance of over a thousand ballots intended for a specific area, prompting calls for vigilance against potential fraud.
The overall election environment is troubled by ongoing violence from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, the termination of a military agreement with France, and accusations related to Chad’s involvement in Sudan’s unrest. Authorities framed the election as the concluding phase of transitioning from military rule to a democratic government, with Deby having ascended to power after his father’s lengthy rule ended with his death in 2021.
The recent general election in Chad is a pivotal moment following three years of military governance. After the death of long-standing leader Idriss Deby in 2021, his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, assumed leadership through military force. The government’s efforts to transition towards democracy have been undermined by opposition allegations of electoral manipulation and a lack of legitimacy. Political disillusionment among the populace has exacerbated apathy toward voting, as exemplified by the calls for boycott from various opposition groups.
The general election in Chad, which was viewed as a potential turning point towards democracy, has been mired in controversy and low voter turnout, largely attributed to an opposition-led boycott. Although the government emphasizes a return to democratic norms, skepticism remains among the citizens regarding the electoral process’s legitimacy. Incidents of ballot irregularities and public indifference further complicate the transition from military rule, underscoring the challenges faced by President Deby in securing democratic legitimacy in Chad.
Original Source: www.hudsonvalley360.com
