In Chad, the opposition has called for a boycott of the parliamentary and municipal elections scheduled for December 29.
According to local media reports, 15 opposition political groups gathered in the capital, N’Djamena, under the slogan “No to Special and Anti-Democratic Elections.”
Max Kemkoye, the leader of the Union for Democracy and Progress Party, stated that despite the opposition’s repeated calls for respect for democratic rules, freedoms, and human rights, the current government has not changed its methods.
Kemkoye emphasized the need for an updated and reliable voter registry, the neutrality of electoral institutions, and guarantees of equality to ensure election security. He expressed concerns that the upcoming elections would not be free and fair, urging the public to boycott them.
The call for a boycott comes amid a transitional period following the death of President Idris Déby Itno, who was killed in combat against the separatist group “Front for Change and Concord in Chad” (FACT) on April 20, 2021. His son, Mahamat Idris Déby Itno, was appointed head of the Military Transitional Council composed of 15 generals shortly thereafter.
Mahamat Déby promised an 18-month transition period leading to elections, with a transfer of power to civilians and a commitment not to run for office. However, during the National Dialogue Forum held on October 9, 2022, the transition period was extended by two years, and Déby was allowed to run in the elections planned for 2024.
Mahamat Idris Déby Itno was elected president on May 6, receiving 61% of the vote.
The parliamentary and municipal elections, the first since 2011, are set to take place on December 29.