Voters cast their ballots in Chad’s elections
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Voters in Chad participated in parliamentary and regional elections on Sunday, marking a significant moment in the country’s political transition. The elections are set to conclude a three-year period of military rule, following the death of longtime President Idriss Déby Itno in 2021. This election is the first parliamentary vote in over a decade and comes after a contested presidential election earlier this year, where Mahamat Idriss Déby, the son of the late president, won amid claims of unfairness. His victory was part of a broader plan to restore civilian rule after a military junta took power.
Mahamat Idriss Déby assumed control of Chad following his father’s death, leading the country’s military and promising to return Chad to democratic governance. His regime has faced scrutiny from opposition parties, who accuse the government of manipulating the electoral process to maintain power. Despite this, millions of Chadians took to the polls on Sunday, hoping the election would signal a new chapter for the country.
The opposition, including more than 10 political parties, is largely boycotting the election, citing concerns over the credibility of the process. The main opposition party, Transformers, led by presidential candidate Succes Masra, has been vocal in its criticism. Masra, who placed second in the earlier presidential election, condemned both the parliamentary and presidential votes as illegitimate and claimed they were designed to keep the Déby family in power, continuing what he described as a political dynasty.
In contrast, many ordinary voters expressed hope for positive change. At a polling station in the capital, N’Djamena, Kathima Bagadaye, a voter, shared his optimistic outlook, stating that the election was proceeding smoothly with no significant issues. Similarly, Mahamat Issa Hissein, another voter, echoed these sentiments, wishing for a better future for Chad and hoping the elected leaders would contribute to the country’s development.
With a population of 18 million, Chad is one of the poorest nations in Africa, and has struggled with political stability since its independence from France in 1960. This election is seen as a crucial step toward fulfilling the promises made by the ruling junta to restore democracy, although the process has been marred by controversy and accusations of undemocratic practices. The elections will fill 188 seats in the new National Assembly, and voters will also elect representatives at the provincial and municipal levels. Final results are expected within two weeks.
The political environment in Chad remains tense, with the opposition accusing the government of using the election to legitimize military rule. The Transformers party, for example, has repeatedly denounced the voting process as a “charade,” further exacerbating the divide between the ruling government and opposition groups. Masra, who briefly served as prime minister after returning from exile earlier this year, resigned to contest the presidential race, continuing his opposition to the government. His party has been one of the most vocal in protesting the lack of democratic reforms and transparency in the electoral system.
Chad’s transition comes at a time of considerable instability, as the country faces multiple security challenges. The Lake Chad region has seen persistent attacks by Boko Haram militants, complicating efforts to stabilize the nation. Additionally, Chad’s military ties with France, a long-time ally, have become strained, adding to the country’s security and diplomatic concerns. These issues underline the significance of the election, as the new government will need to navigate both domestic and international challenges.
The parliamentary elections in Chad represent a critical juncture for the country, which has faced years of authoritarian rule under the Déby family. While the opposition remains skeptical about the fairness of the process, many citizens hope for a peaceful and successful transition to civilian rule. Whether these elections will pave the way for lasting democratic governance remains uncertain, as the political landscape in Chad continues to evolve amidst the complex web of internal and external challenges.
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