On Sunday, December 29, Chadians will head to the polls for long-awaited legislative and local elections, despite growing concerns over the legitimacy of the process. The government of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who has been in power since 2021, has presented the elections as a vital step toward Chad’s democratic transition. However, opposition parties have strongly criticized the elections, dismissing them as a “masquerade” designed to entrench the current regime.
These elections come amid a volatile security environment, with persistent attacks by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, a break in military cooperation with former colonial power France, and an influx of refugees fleeing the conflict in neighboring Sudan. These challenges highlight the deepening crises that Chad faces as it prepares for the vote.
A Transition Under Scrutiny
Mahamat Deby, 40, assumed leadership following the sudden death of his father, long-time leader Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021. The younger Deby won a disputed presidential election in 2023, which opposition groups described as fraudulent. Now, the government hopes the upcoming elections will bring a “generational renewal” to the National Assembly and local governments. The last legislative elections in Chad were held in 2011, and subsequent elections have been repeatedly delayed due to security concerns, financial difficulties, and the COVID-19 pandemic. A transitional parliament has been in place since Deby Sr.’s death in 2021.
Opposition Response and Widespread Criticism
Opposition parties have called for a boycott, citing the oppressive political environment and lack of fair conditions for the elections. Succes Masra, leader of the Transformers party, which garnered 18.5% of the vote in the 2021 presidential race, condemned the elections, calling participation “legislative apartheid.”
While government officials defend the elections as a necessary step for the country’s future, claiming they will provide Deby with a parliamentary majority to push his political agenda, critics argue that the process will only further consolidate dynastic rule. “The elections will only serve to solidify the existing power structure,” said constitutional law expert Ahmat Mahamat Hassan, emphasizing that the government faces significant opposition both domestically and internationally.
Media Blackout and Information Restrictions
The media landscape surrounding the elections is fraught with challenges. Journalists have gone on strike to protest government-imposed restrictions that limit their ability to report on the elections freely. This media blackout further undermines the transparency of the electoral process, leaving voters and the international community with limited access to independent information.
Humanitarian Crisis and Economic Struggles
Chad, an oil-producing country, remains one of the most impoverished nations globally, ranking near the bottom of the UN Human Development Index. The country is also grappling with severe humanitarian issues, including widespread flooding that has killed at least 500 people and displaced two million, exacerbating the strain on an already struggling population. The political instability and the devastating effects of climate-related disasters continue to challenge the nation’s fragile situation.
With 33 years of Deby family rule behind it, Chad now faces a critical juncture. The outcome of these elections will likely have far-reaching implications for the country’s political future, as well as its ability to address its ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.