Chad held elections for legislative, provincial, and local offices on Sunday after three years of military rule, with opposition parties boycotting, alleging electoral fraud, and raising concerns about legitimacy. Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno’s government faces accusations of autocracy while overseeing the electoral process, which comes alongside serious security issues and political unrest.
On Sunday, Chadians participated in legislative, provincial, and local elections, marking a significant step after three years under military rule. This electoral process, presented by the government as a pivotal transition to democracy, faced a boycott from opposition parties, asserting that last year’s presidential election was marred by fraud. As the government seeks legitimacy, many anticipate that the elections primarily benefit candidates affiliated with Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno, who assumed power after the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, in 2021. Opposition leaders have publicly denounced the election’s integrity and urged citizens to abstain from participating.
Chad’s political landscape has been tumultuous since the military coup in 2021, which resulted from the death of long-serving president Idriss Déby Itno. The subsequent military government established a 93-member transition parliament, but allegations of increasing autocracy have marred its legitimacy. The opposition is focused on raising public awareness of alleged electoral manipulation, with previous elections having been postponed due to various crises, including security threats from jihadist groups and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The elections in Chad are a crucial element in a fraught political transition, yet the boycott by opposition parties has cast doubt on their validity. With serious allegations of fraud and a restrictive political environment, the electoral outcome may further entrench the current regime. The implications of these elections extend beyond domestic politics, as they occur amidst ongoing security challenges and strained international relations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
