February 13, 2025

Low turnout as Chad’s general election faces opposition boycott

Chadians headed to the polls on Sunday in a general election, described by the government as a significant step towards ending three years of military rule. However, voter turnout was notably low, with the opposition calling for a boycott and accusing the authorities of preordaining the results.

According to the elections management agency, ANGE, midday figures showed a turnout of just 38 percent for the election, which aims to establish a new parliament, provincial assemblies, and local councils. The capital’s upscale district, home to the president’s family and ruling elites, cited “cold weather” as a factor for voter apathy.


Opposition leaders, however, attributed the low turnout to their boycott call. Succes Masra, leader of the Transformers party, stated, “They have all stayed at home following our call, that is, the overwhelming majority.”

The election primarily features candidates aligned with President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who came to power via military rule in 2021 following his father’s death. His presidency was legitimized through a May election, which opposition parties denounced as fraudulent.

On Facebook, Deby called Sunday’s election a “historic day,” urging citizens to vote. “I urge all my compatriots on the electoral roll to come out and vote en masse,” he posted, alongside photos of himself casting his ballot.

Ahead of the election, Masra alleged electoral manipulation, saying, “The fabricated results are already in the computers.”
Many citizens expressed skepticism about the election process. Herve Natouingan, a 28-year-old motorbike taxi driver, dismissed the election as “pointless,” stating, “There’s no real voting in Chad.” Meanwhile, Patrice Lumumba Deoumoundou, a 39-year-old voter, expressed hope for systemic change, including “more jobs, fewer price rises, more justice, and more equality,” but acknowledged, “Nothing’s been done yet.”

Logistical challenges saw soldiers, police officers, and nomadic communities voting on Saturday. ANGE reported a “record” turnout among these groups, with 72 percent of soldiers and 54 percent of nomads casting ballots. Sheikh Djibrine Hassabakarim, a nomadic community representative, noted that climate change has exacerbated hardships, leading to calls for elected officials to improve living conditions.

Foreign election observers and political party representatives monitored polling stations, which remained open until 6:00 pm local time. Allegations of irregularities surfaced, with the opposition Democratic Party of the Chadian People (PDPT) claiming over a thousand ballots for Bongor sub-prefecture had disappeared.

The election takes place amid persistent Boko Haram attacks in the Lake Chad region, tensions with former colonial ruler France over a dissolved military accord, and accusations of interference in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

The government has framed the election as a pivotal step towards restoring democracy in Chad. President Deby, who assumed power in 2021 after his father’s three-decade rule, remains a polarizing figure as the nation navigates its complex political and social challenges.

File source: AP

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