Just 48 hours before the April 11 presidential election. Ten candidates are participating, including President Idriss Déby, who is participating in a sixth term. And among them, a woman, a first in the country. This is Lydie Beassemda, from the PID (Party for Integrated Democracy and Independence). In a country where women are largely underrepresented, even in politics.
With our special correspondent in Ndjamena, Alexandra Brangeon
At this market in the capital, Guengueng sells loincloths worn on March 8 and is very pleased with a woman’s candidacy in Sunday’s vote. “If we can vote for a woman, I will vote for a woman, because we are so nice to everyone! We are not like men, we can do better! “
A few meters further, two young salesmen nod. They would like to see more women in politics. “It’s good, it’s an honor for us women. You can encourage it, you never know, maybe things will change for women. ”
“A woman in politics is good. Because she will defend us if we need anything. Violence against women is widespread in our country. But if a woman has the power, she will defend us. ”
At present, women are underrepresented. Just under 20 in parliament out of more than 180 deputies. A handful in government. Despite a law that introduces a quota of 30%, Thérèse Mekombe from the Association of Women Lawyers regrets.
“We should remove from our mentality that the public, the political is only the domain of man. But that women can also be there. It is true that the Minister for Women is a position of responsibility, but why not the Minister of Defense?”
She hopes that a woman’s candidacy for this presidential election will be an encouragement to those who want to get into politics.
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