Office opens at 06.00 in Chad. Seven candidates are running, including President Idriss Déby – who has been in power for more than 30 years – and who are seeking a sixth term. Part of the opposition withdrew from the race and demanded a boycott to condemn the violence against the opposition. One of the challenges today will therefore be participation.
as reported from Ndjamena, Alexandra Brangeon
On the streets of the capital, the vote arouses little enthusiasm: “I will not vote”, says a trader in the central market. “There is no real opposition,” he added.
Three opposition candidates withdrew from the race last month – including President Deby’s historic rival, Saleh Kebzabo … who has demanded a boycott. A conversation that joined another harsh critic of the head of state, Succès Masra. The Transformers leader has had his candidacy rejected because he is too young to drive. But he was able to mobilize some of the youth who try to demonstrate every Saturday against a sixth term of President Déby.
Several civil society movements and in particular human rights organizations have also joined the call to boycott the vote.
Participation to watch
Before President Déby, there are therefore no more six candidates. They are former caciques of the regime or beginners, without means and without experience, emphasizes a political analyst. Although the outcome of this election is not in doubt, participation is still a factor to look at, it adds later, because if it is too low. It will address the issue of the head of state’s legitimacy.
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