Chad Holds Parliamentary Elections Amid Opposition Boycott and Military Transition
Chadians voted in parliamentary elections on Sunday to conclude three years of military rule, although major opposition parties boycotted the vote amidst accusations of electoral illegitimacy. The elections are the first in over a decade and follow a disputed presidential vote. The lack of opposition participation raises concerns about the true return of democracy in Chad.
On Sunday, Chad held parliamentary and regional elections marking the end of a three-year transitional military rule, although the primary opposition party opted to boycott the vote. The elections come in the wake of a controversial presidential vote won by junta leader Mahamat Idriss Deby, who ascended to power following the death of his father. Despite 8 million registered voters, significant opposition parties, including the Transformers party, have deemed the electoral process as illegitimate, further complicating Chad’s return to democratic governance.
Chad, an oil-exporting nation with a population of approximately 18 million, has not experienced a genuine transfer of power since gaining independence from France in 1960. The recent elections are significant as they represent the first parliamentary elections in over a decade in a country recently ruled by military authority. The transitional period, initiated in 2021 following the death of long-term leader Idriss Deby Itno, aimed to restore democracy, yet faced scrutiny over the legitimacy of its electoral processes.
In summary, the parliamentary and regional elections in Chad reflect the country’s ongoing challenges in establishing a stable democratic framework post-military rule. The boycott by major opposition parties underscores widespread distrust in the electoral process, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral outcomes. As Chad navigates this crucial period, the implications for its democratic transition remain to be fully realized amidst various internal and external pressures.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
