Chad's Political Transition Tested by Controversial Elections Amid Opposition Boycotts

Chad is undergoing a significant political event as the country holds its first elections in three years, following a period of military rule. On Sunday, citizens are called to vote in legislative, provincial, and local elections, which the government frames as the final step in a transition to democratic governance. However, the opposition has vehemently opposed the process, boycotting the elections and leaving the field largely open to candidates aligned with the ruling military regime.

The roots of this political transition date back to April 2021, when Marshal Mahamat Idriss Itno assumed power after the sudden death of his father, President Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled Chad for over three decades. Since then, Itno has been at the helm of the country, which he has claimed is moving toward democracy through these elections. The May presidential election that Itno won has been widely criticized by opposition figures, who decried the results as fraudulent.

In response to the ongoing political developments, opposition leaders, including prominent figure Succes Masra, have condemned the election process. In a widely shared online address, Masra argued that the election was a farce, built on “lies and electoral theft.” He also claimed that the results were predetermined and already stored in government systems, casting a shadow of doubt over the integrity of the process. The Democratic Party of the Chadian People (PDPT), another key opposition group, reported that election materials, including ballots, were allegedly tampered with or disappeared altogether in certain regions, further fueling accusations of fraud.

The elections are set against the backdrop of a country grappling with several ongoing challenges. Despite the government's assertions of progress, Chad faces significant internal and external pressures, including jihadist attacks in the Lake Chad region, heightened military tensions with former colonial power France, and allegations of interference in the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan.

Voter participation is expected to be high, with approximately eight million registered voters. Polling stations will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, and the elections will be monitored by foreign observers as well as representatives from various political parties. However, early reports indicate that military and police personnel, as well as nomadic communities, began voting ahead of the official election day, adding to the already controversial nature of the electoral process.

The government has emphasized the importance of these elections for Chad’s political future, particularly in the context of the transition from authoritarian rule to a more inclusive and democratic system. However, the opposition has raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the process. Succes Masra, recalling a violent crackdown on opposition protests in 2022, labeled the government's actions as increasingly autocratic, warning that the regime's repressive tactics may not allow for genuine political change.

Further complicating the situation is the ongoing strike by online journalists in Chad, who are protesting restrictions on their freedom of expression. This has led to a near total news blackout surrounding the elections, with the private press refusing to cover election day due to the government's failure to provide the usual subsidies for coverage. The lack of independent media oversight is seen by many as another attempt by the government to suppress dissent and control the narrative surrounding the elections.

In conclusion, while the Chad government views these elections as a crucial step toward democratic reforms, the opposition and international observers remain skeptical. The boycotts, accusations of electoral fraud, and media suppression point to a deeply flawed political transition that may struggle to achieve true democratic progress. As Chad navigates this critical juncture, the future of its political landscape remains uncertain, with the government facing mounting pressure both from within and outside its borders.