Chad’s presidential elections ongoing – Peaceful but with Tension

By Jabez Yakah

With Monday’s presidential voting process in Chad, the African country is set to become the first junta-led country to transition into democratic rule. This will end the three-year transition after the death of the country’s longest serving leader, Idriss Deby Itno. His son, Gen Mahamat Deby is one of the favourites to win the elections despite sceptisms about his capability to enforce positive change.

The biggest rival in the elections remains Succes Masra, prime minister of the country. Despite the conscious efforts to instill peace and sanity during the elections, AFP news reported that a 65-year-old man was shot dead in the southern city of Moundou after casting his vote. It is reported that the unknown gunman opened fire after being barred from voting because he did not have an electoral card. The local mayor confirmed that four suspects had been arrested.

President Deby had this to say while casting his vote in N’Djamena, capital of the country- “I am proud to have fulfilled my promise to respect the deadline for elections that will signal a return to constitutional order… It’s up to the Chadian people to vote massively and choose their president.”

After overthrowing Hissene Habré in 1990, Idriss Deby remained in charge of the country for three decades until his death in April 2021 at age 68.

His son took over in a constitutional coup and initially pledged to stay on as interim leader for just 18 months as he said he would not run for president afterwards.

While some of the citizens are hopeful of a positive change in the country after the declaration of the results, others are of the view that nothing will really change afterward.

Ten politicians who had hoped to be in the run for presidency were excluded by the constitutional council for irregularities. Notable among them was Mr. Koursami who was accused of forgery.

Another potential opponent was Yaya Dillon who was killed by security forces in February while allegedly leading an attack on the National Security Agency in N’Djamena.

Activists have called for a boycott of the elections as they claim that it’s a plot to legitimately extend the Deby dynasty.

The elections may serve as a template for juntas seeking to maintain political influence after first coming to power illegitimately.

Chad has not had any free and fair elections since its independence from France in 1960.

“If I am elected, I will serve my five-year term and at the end of my term, it will be up to the people to judge me. As for a dynasty, our constitution is very clear – a candidate cannot serve more than two successive terms” Gen Deby told France 24 TV channel.

Mr. Masra was appointed prime minister of the country by Gen Deby in January after a deal was brokered to mend political fractures from the October 2022 protests which led to the exile of many of the protesters. Masra has recently been accused of betraying the opposition. He has dismissed rumours of a secret post-election power-sharing agreement with Gen Deby.

Masra has urged Chadians to vote for him in order to end the six decades of “obscurity” and “darkness”.

The election results are expected to be released on May 21. However, a second round could be held in June if no candidate attains more than 50% of the total votes cast in the first round.

Source: www.bbc.com ,