Chad held a general election aimed at ending military rule after three years, but turnout was expected to be low due to an opposition boycott, with early figures indicating just 38 percent participation as citizens voted for parliamentary and local council positions.

On Sunday, Chad conducted a general election heralded by the government as a pivotal move towards the cessation of military governance that has persisted for three years. However, the anticipated voter turnout was notably diminished, largely due to an opposition-led boycott. Preliminary reports from the National Elections Authority indicated a turnout rate of merely 38 percent, as citizens participated in selecting representatives for a new parliament, along with provincial assemblies and local councils.

Chad has experienced a period of military rule since April 2021, following the death of its long-time leader, Idriss Déby. The military seized control, and President Mahamat Idriss Déby, son of the late leader, has governed since then. In recent months, the government has aimed to transition from military rule to a more democratic structure, prompting elections intended to re-establish civilian governance. Despite these efforts, the opposition has expressed skepticism regarding the integrity of the electoral process, leading to calls for a boycott from various political factions.

In conclusion, the general election in Chad represented a significant attempt by the government to transition from military to civilian rule. However, the low turnout due to opposition boycotts reflects the prevailing public disillusionment towards the electoral process. The future political landscape will depend on the government’s actions post-election, as they face the challenge of promoting public trust and engagement in governance.

Original Source: www.caledonianrecord.com