Chadian opposition demands cancellation of December elections amid accusations of widespread boycott. Electoral authority confirms vote counting is ongoing, but political tensions escalate, with calls for a new transitional period marked by truth and equality. Analysts express doubts over potential annulment despite claims of electoral fraud. Government labels opposition requests as attempts to incite chaos and violence.
An atmosphere of heightened tension prevails in Chad as opposition parties are demanding the cancellation of the forthcoming general elections, scheduled for December 29. The opposition claims that the elections have been severely boycotted and should not proceed. In contrast, Chad’s electoral authority remains firm in its commitment to counting the votes and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, asserting that any irregularities will not affect the final results.
Assane Bairra, vice president of the National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE), confirmed that counting has commenced following the local, provincial, and parliamentary elections, which were intended to conclude a three-year transitional period initiated after the death of long-time President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. Following the recent elections, provisional results are anticipated by January 15.
Despite the electoral body reporting a turnout of approximately 36% of Chad’s 8.3 million registered voters, opposition groups contend that actual participation was significantly lower due to a wide-scale boycott, with Avocksouma Djona, spokesperson for the Political Actors Consultation Group (GCAP), stating that over 90% of registered voters heeded the boycott calls. Djona emphasized that this response indicated widespread civilian dissatisfaction with the current leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby, whom he accused of emulating his father’s authoritarian rule.
Succes Masra, president of The Transformers party, has called for a new transitional process defined by truth and reconciliation to foster a stable and inclusive political landscape. Addressing the potential for violence due to ongoing tensions, Masra highlighted the need for dialogue as a means to avert social unrest.
Political analyst Yamingue Betinbaye from the University of N’Djamena expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of nullification of the elections, despite acknowledging the opposition’s claims regarding electoral malpractice. Meanwhile, the Chadian government is framing the opposition’s calls for election annulment as attempts to incite chaos and potential violence in the nation, urging civilians not to adhere to the opposition’s provocations to protest against the electoral process.
The current political climate in Chad is characterized by a contentious transitional government following the death of President Idriss Deby. The transitional period was meant to stabilize the country; however, opposition parties are now raising significant concerns about the validity of the upcoming elections. The backdrop includes widespread claims of electoral manipulation and a stark division between the government and dissenting voices, with the opposition advocating for greater political dialogue and a reevaluation of the electoral process.
In summary, the situation in Chad remains precarious as the opposition calls for the cancellation of the upcoming elections, citing a low turnout and the need for a new and inclusive political transition. With differing reports on voter participation and accusations of corruption, the credibility of the electoral process is under scrutiny. Both the government and opposition highlight the urgency for resolving these tensions to avoid potential unrest during this critical political juncture.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
