Chad witnessed a pivotal moment on Sunday as citizens cast their votes in parliamentary and regional elections, marking an end to three years of military rule.
The elections, boycotted by the main opposition, are the first parliamentary polls in over a decade for the Sahelian nation.
These elections follow a contentious presidential vote earlier this year, where junta leader Mahamat Idriss Deby claimed victory amid widespread criticism.
Deby assumed power in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled Chad for over three decades.
This transfer of power has sparked allegations of a dynastic regime, further deepening political tensions.
The elections, involving over 8 million registered voters, will determine 188 members of the National Assembly and elect representatives at provincial and municipal levels. Results are anticipated in two weeks.
However, more than ten opposition parties, including the Transformers party led by Succes Masra, have boycotted the vote.
They accuse the government of orchestrating an electoral “charade” to cement Deby’s rule and stifle democratic progress.
Masra, who briefly served as prime minister before resigning to contest the presidency, has called on voters to abstain.
On Saturday, he warned of likely vote tampering, urging Chadians to stay home.
The opposition coalition, GCAP, continues to dispute Deby’s leadership, accusing him of manipulating elections to legitimize his prolonged rule.
Spokesman Max Kemkoye condemned the polls as a façade, claiming, “These elections are lost in advance.”