Chad Faces Election Boycott Amid Claims of Authoritarian Rule

Chad is holding elections hailed by the government as a political transition step, yet opposed by boycott from parties viewing them as a sham. Amid security challenges and humanitarian issues, these elections continue the legacy of authoritarian rule since Idriss Deby’s era.

Chad is conducting legislative and local elections this Sunday, which the administration of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno regards as a significant move towards democratic transition. However, this vote is met with skepticism from opposition parties, who criticize it as a mere pretense. The elections occur amid a hostile environment punctuated by frequent incursions from Boko Haram, the dissolution of a military agreement with France, and allegations of outside influence related to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

Mahamat Deby ascended to power in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who maintained an authoritarian regime for thirty years. In the elections held last May, which were denounced by opposition faction leaders as fraudulent, Deby junior secured a five-year mandate. The current elections are heralded as an opportunity for a “generational renewal” of the National Assembly and local councils, as stated by a presidential advisor who requested anonymity.

The last legislative elections took place in 2011, with numerous attempts at subsequent elections impeded by jihadist violence, financial issues, and the pandemic. Following the passing of Idriss Deby Itno, the transitional parliament was formed in 2021 through a presidential decree, comprising 93 members. Opposition leaders have chosen to boycott these elections, arguing that participation under the prevailing conditions would equate to endorsing a system they label as “legislative apartheid.” Success Masra, a prominent opposition figure, criticized the elections, emphasizing the repressive nature of the present government.

Conversely, Infrastructure Minister Aziz Mahamat Saleh asserted that the elections are designed to secure a majority that would enable the president to actualize his political agenda. Professor Ahmat Mahamat Hassan, a constitutional law expert at the University of N’Djamena, expressed that this vote aims to further legitimize a regime that he perceives as dynastic and beleaguered by both domestic and international unrest.

The elections are being conducted under severe restrictions on the media, with journalists striking in protest against state-imposed limitations. Chad, grappling with the consequences of the Deby regime over the past three decades, continues to struggle with significant socio-economic issues, including a humanitarian crisis triggered by unprecedented rainfall that has resulted in fatalities and displacements.

Overall, these elections underline the ongoing tensions within Chad, marked by a lack of genuine democratic processes and the extensive control maintained by the current government.

The political landscape in Chad has long been shaped by authoritarian governance, marked significantly by the tenure of Idriss Deby Itno. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has continued this legacy since assuming power in 2021. Presently, the government is attempting to portray the ongoing elections as a move towards democratization, although the opposition vehemently contests this narrative, claiming that the elections serve only to perpetuate a repressive regime. The complex security context, characterized by threats from groups like Boko Haram and regional instability, along with severe humanitarian crises, further complicates the electoral process.

In conclusion, the legislative and local elections in Chad, conducted amidst significant opposition boycott and criticism, manifest ongoing struggles regarding democratic legitimacy and governance. While the government touts these elections as a step towards political transition, the broader societal and security concerns in Chad raise fundamental questions about the efficacy of this process. As the nation grapples with its historical challenges, the outcome of these elections could have profound implications for its future.

Original Source: www.barrons.com