Chad’s Elections Face Disruption Amid Growing Tensions and Opposition Threats

Chad faces escalating tensions as opposition groups intend to disrupt elections scheduled for Sunday, fearing manipulation by President Mahamat Idriss Deby. Concerns regarding safety and the integrity of the electoral process persist, with many opposition figures urging citizens to abstain from voting. The elections are meant to conclude a transitional period post-Deby’s death, but accusations of violence and manipulation cast doubt on their credibility.

Tensions are escalating in Chad as opposition groups and civil society organizations declare their intention to disrupt the local council, regional, and parliamentary elections scheduled for this Sunday. These groups allege that the elections are predetermined to favor President Mahamat Idriss Deby, prompting campaigns across neighborhoods urging citizens to abstain from voting to prevent potential violence. Many Chadians have voiced their uncertainties regarding the safety of participating in these elections amidst threats and intimidation from opposition groups.

In N’Djamena, Limana Abba, a university student, expressed his doubts about the validity of the elections, stating that the campaign of intimidation by opposition factions makes it unfeasible for him and other registered voters to exercise their right. Moreover, concerns linger over the adequacy of military and police protection for voters and officials, despite governmental assurances of security.

Government spokespersons assert that police and army units have been deployed to safeguard civilians and their properties while also preempting potential violence from dissatisfied citizens. However, opposition leaders, including Soumaine Adoum from the coalition Wakit Tama, vocally denounce Deby’s regime, lacking trust in his administration and criticizing the electoral process as fundamentally flawed and prone to manipulation by state forces.

The Elections Management Body, ANGE, contends that the elections will be conducted with transparency and fairness, yet opposition voices remain skeptical. They argue that the use of government troops in elections is indicative of past manipulations, further undermining the credibility of the electoral process. Overall, the upcoming elections carry the weight of significant political implications as they aim to conclude a transitional phase following the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno.

Chad’s political landscape is currently marred by uncertainty as the nation approaches crucial local, regional, and parliamentary elections. Since the passing of long-term leader Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021, there has been a notable transition period marked by political unrest and civil upheaval. The current administration, led by Mahamat Idriss Deby, faces significant criticism from opposition factions and civil society for alleged corruption, human rights abuses, and a lack of democratic freedoms. The upcoming elections are intended to restore the dissolved National Assembly, but concerns about electoral integrity persist due to reported intimidation tactics and the history of military interference in political processes.

In conclusion, the tense situation in Chad as it moves toward elections highlights deep divisions within society regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process. With significant opposition against the government and escalating threats of violence against voters, the upcoming elections not only symbolize a struggle for democracy in Chad but also pose serious questions regarding the security and fairness of the electoral environment. The calls for a boycott underscore the pervasive distrust in the ruling regime, potentially complicating efforts to transition to a more stable political framework.

Original Source: www.voanews.com