Chadian opposition coalition calls for vote boycott, claims lack of democracy

As Chad’s legislative and local elections scheduled for December 29, 2024, approach, a political divide is emerging in the capital, N’Djamena. Opposition groups are calling for a boycott of the elections, while the ruling party is aggressively campaigning with rallies, door-to-door visits, and market tours. Tensions are rising, with both sides accusing the other of undermining democracy.

Opposition parties argue that participating in the upcoming elections would only serve to legitimize a power structure they believe is undemocratic. They argue that the outcome of the elections is already determined, and by taking part, they would effectively validate a government they accuse of being authoritarian. Opposition leaders claim that the ruling party has stacked the political process in its favor, making any election results inherently flawed.

“Boycott! Don’t participate in this farce!” chant members of the political actors’ consultation group (GCAP), a coalition of opposition parties, as they distribute flyers in N’Djamena’s busy markets. The group, primarily composed of women wearing white t-shirts and green-and-white caps, is vocal in urging the public to reject the elections. They argue that the process is an extension of the current regime’s undemocratic rule.

Florence Loardomdemadje, a spokesperson for the women of GCAP, called on Chadians to refuse to support what she refers to as an “electoral coup.” She warned the public not to be deceived by “treacherous leaders backed by corrupt Chadians,” accusing the government of not responding to the legitimate demands of the population. According to Loardomdemadje, the elections are part of a broader scheme to maintain control and suppress dissent.

The GCAP has already called for boycotts in previous elections, including the constitutional referendum in December 2023 and the presidential election in May 2024. In the latter, Mahamat Idriss Déby, who assumed the presidency following the military-led death of his father, was re-elected in the first round of voting. Loardomdemadje criticized the presidential election as “illegitimate,” citing what she described as a lack of transparency. She warns that the upcoming elections will mirror these past events, further solidifying a government they consider illegitimate.

Opposition leaders assert that the government’s failure to acknowledge the concerns of women, youth, and marginalized communities highlights its undemocratic nature. They argue that the ruling party’s grip on power has only deepened, leading to widespread disenchantment among the population. The boycott movement, therefore, seeks to send a strong message that many Chadians will not tolerate a political system they view as corrupt and unrepresentative.

In contrast, the ruling party continues to press ahead with its election campaign, seeking to rally support from various segments of the population. Government officials argue that the elections are an important step toward political stability and that the process will provide a much-needed opportunity for citizens to express their will. Campaign activities are in full swing, with government officials and party supporters organizing rallies, visiting homes, and touring markets to engage with voters. The government’s efforts aim to mobilize as much support as possible in the face of opposition calls for a boycott.

The political climate leading up to these elections is tense, with both sides claiming the moral high ground. The ruling party insists that the elections are necessary for the country’s future, while the opposition condemns them as a sham designed to solidify the power of the military-backed regime. The debate reflects broader concerns about the state of democracy in Chad, which has faced significant challenges to political freedoms and human rights in recent years.

The calls for boycott and the subsequent political polarization come amid increasing frustration with the current political system, especially after the military’s rise to power in 2021 following the death of President Idriss Déby. The country’s transition to civilian rule, promised by the military, has been slow and contentious. Opposition groups argue that the promises of reform and democratization have not materialized, and the political environment remains stifling for dissent.

As the December 29 elections approach, Chad is facing an increasingly polarized political landscape, with widespread public skepticism about the fairness and transparency of the process. The boycott call from opposition groups, particularly the GCAP, highlights the deep divisions within the country and the struggle for democratic legitimacy. With the ruling party determined to proceed with the elections, the coming days will likely see heightened tensions and intensified political mobilization on both sides. The outcome of the elections will be critical not just for Chad’s future political direction, but also for its ongoing struggle to establish genuine democracy and political stability.