Chadians voted on Sunday in a crucial parliamentary and regional election aimed at concluding a three-year transitional period from military rule. However, the election has been marred by a boycott from key opposition parties, including the main Transformers party, over accusations of a lack of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
This parliamentary vote is the first in over a decade for the Central African nation of 18 million people. It follows a controversial presidential election earlier this year, where junta leader Mahamat Idriss Deby secured a win that opposition groups have widely criticized. Deby, who took power in 2021 after the death of his father and longtime ruler Idriss Deby Itno, promised a transition to democracy but faces growing skepticism.
Over 8 million registered voters are tasked with electing 188 legislators to a new National Assembly, as well as representatives at provincial and municipal levels. Despite the historic nature of the elections, more than 10 opposition parties have refused to participate. The Transformers party, led by Succes Masra, dismissed the vote as a “charade” designed to entrench Deby’s rule.
Masra, who came second in the presidential election and briefly served as prime minister earlier this year, accused authorities of planning to tamper with the election results. On the eve of the vote, he urged Chadians to stay home, arguing that participation would legitimize a flawed process.
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Similarly, the opposition Group of the Cooperation of Political Actors (GCAP) condemned the election, with spokesman Max Kemkoye stating, “Participating in these elections means endorsing forced power seeking legitimacy.”
The elections mark the final stage of Chad’s transition process, which began after Deby’s rise to power in 2021. This period included a national dialogue in 2022 and a constitutional referendum in 2023. Yet critics argue that the absence of significant opposition voices in Sunday’s vote undermines the democratic process.
Political analyst Mahamat Oumar Adam highlighted the stakes: “This election is meant to signify the end of the transition, but the lack of opposition undermines its credibility.”
Chad’s path to democracy unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing security challenges. The country faces persistent threats from Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad region and has seen a deterioration in its military partnership with France, its longtime ally.
With results expected in about two weeks, the election’s outcome will be a critical test for Chad’s future. Whether it represents a genuine move towards democracy or a consolidation of military power remains to be seen.