On December 29, 2024, the air in Chad buzzed with anticipation, but the results have unleashed a whirlwind of controversy. The Constitutional Council has officially endorsed the parliamentary election outcome, declaring the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby, the victors. Yet, as celebrations erupt in government circles, the opposition cries foul, alleging that this democratic exercise was less of a contest and more of a calculated maneuver.
Clement Sianka, a prominent figure from the National Assembly of Democrats, has been vocal in his criticisms, pinpointing a litany of alleged electoral irregularities. He claims that ballot stuffing, intimidation by security forces, and a pervasive atmosphere of fear tainted the voting process, leaving the opposition demanding an annulment of these contentious results. It’s as if a dark cloud looms over the electoral process—questions linger in the air like the smell of rain before a storm: How can democracy flourish in such an environment?
In the aftermath of the vote, the Constitutional Council made it clear—MPS secured a decisive 124 seats in Chad’s 188-member National Assembly. But those numbers tell only part of the story. The opposition raises a critical point: the election was supposed to represent the voices of Chad’s 8.3 million eligible voters, yet a significant portion of the populace chose to stay away from the polls. Many viewed the election as an exercise in futility, asserting that it was rigged from the get-go. Some even argue that the atmosphere leading up to the election screamed, “Stay home!” How, they ponder, could any aspiring democracy thrive when a significant majority of its citizens are voicing dissent through their absence?
For many, the December elections were not just a way to fill seats in the National Assembly; they were a litmus test for the nation’s desire for change. The chaos surrounding the election, the palpable tension, and the shouting matches among political adversaries painted a vivid picture—one that resembled a game of chess with the stakes raised far beyond mere pieces on a board. The opposition, feeling cornered and desperate, argues that the elections were rigged to keep Deby and his party firmly in control, with little indication of free or fair governance.
Looking ahead, the upcoming senatorial elections in April stand as a beacon of hope—or, perhaps, a new battleground. These elections are being billed as the final step toward transforming the nation into a civilian-led governance structure. Yet, as the specter of factionalism looms large, the tension is almost electric. Opposition leaders remain skeptical, publicly accusing the electoral management bodies of dancing to the MPS’s tune—an orchestra led by a conductor determined to keep his grip on power.
So, what does this mean for the average Chadian on the street? Many might be asking themselves, “Will we ever see true democracy here?” As lively debates fill local cafes and market squares, citizens express their frustration and hope in equal measure. The mood is thick with uncertainty, with conversations oscillating between optimism buoyed by the promise of future elections and despair fueled by the heavy hand of authority. It’s a reality that many across the globe can relate to—struggling to balance hope and skepticism when the stakes are nothing short of a nation’s future.
A tapestry of emotions weaves through these discussions—hopes dashed against an unyielding wall of authority, the yearning for genuine participation clashing with a sense of helplessness. In many ways, the citizens of Chad are echoing a universal struggle: the fight for a voice in a system that often feels rigged against them. As they look toward April, one can only wonder—will this election usher in change, or will it reinforce the existing power dynamics? Only time will tell, but for now, the air is charged with both anticipation and dread.
In this intricate dance of politics, where every step is scrutinized, and every gesture interpreted, one thing is clear: the road to true democracy is paved with challenges. As both the government and the opposition navigate this tense landscape, the hope of the Chadian people hangs in the balance, waiting to see if their dreams of a fair electoral process can transcend the discord of the present day.
Report By Axadle
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
