Chad’s Electoral Commission Requests Military Support Amid Rising Violence

Chad’s electoral commission requests military protection for officials and candidates due to increased violence ahead of elections on December 29. Opposition groups are disrupting ruling party rallies, branding the elections as a ‘masquerade’ amidst allegations of manipulation by President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. Despite over 8.3 million registering to vote, tensions suggest potential unrest if military support is not forthcoming.

Chad’s electoral commission has formally requested assistance from the military in ensuring the safety of election officials and candidates in anticipation of the upcoming elections scheduled for December 29, 2023. With reports indicating an escalation in violence, opposition supporters have resorted to using clubs and iron bars to disrupt the rallies of the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party across various cities. The National Election Management Agency (ANGE) highlights that the campaigning period for parliamentary, local counsel, and regional elections has been marred by attempts to intimidate candidates and officials.

Chadian representatives assert that these elections symbolize the conclusion of a three-year transitional period that commenced following the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. According to ANGE Vice President Assane Bairra, the current tensions may escalate into armed conflict without appropriate military intervention. Notably, over 8.3 million out of Chad’s 18 million citizens have registered to vote, with approximately 180 political parties nominating nearly 1,300 candidates for the parliamentary elections, alongside many more participating in local elections. Additionally, over 1,000 observers have been authorized to monitor the electoral process.

However, a coalition of over 75 opposition parties and civil society organizations have denounced the forthcoming elections as a “masquerade,” alleging that President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and his MPS party are manipulating the electoral process to reinforce their control. In recent protests, opposition supporters have actively blocked the MPS campaigners, which has led to confrontations in cities such as N’Djamena, Bongor, Abeche, Lai, and Moundou.

Moreover, the military has reported dismantling roadblocks implemented by opposition factions aimed at obstructing MPS campaign activities. Avocksouma Djona, the president of Chad’s Party of Democrats, noted that his party is requesting a postponement of the elections, asserting that all officials within Chad’s electoral management body were appointed by Deby himself. Djona criticized the political landscape, claiming that Deby has effectively placed control over the constitutional court to secure favorable outcomes in elections.

Deby, in a recent televised address, has assured citizens that the elections will be conducted fairly and transparently, a statement that opposition factions have readily dismissed as a facade intended to facilitate electoral manipulation. Following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, in April 2021, Mahamat Deby assumed the role of transitional president, and he has extended the transitional period beyond the original 18 months, claiming it was necessary for stability. Opposition parties continue to express concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process as it unfolds.

The political situation in Chad has become increasingly tense as the nation prepares for its upcoming elections after a significant transitional period following the death of longtime President Idriss Deby Itno. This transitional phase has raised concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, particularly with the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement’s (MPS) control over key governmental institutions. The engagement of military forces to protect election officials is indicative of the fraught political atmosphere and the escalating divisiveness within the country as elections approach.

The Chadian electoral commission has sought military assistance to protect officials and candidates against rising violence as elections near. Facing accusations of undermining democracy, President Deby aims to legitimize his authority through these elections, with opposition factions vehemently opposing the process. As Chadians prepare to vote, the situation highlights deep-rooted political tensions and concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Chad.

Original Source: www.voanews.com