By John Ikani
Chad’s opposition, along with civil society groups and certain election observers, are strongly criticizing instances of violence, threats, and fraudulent activities, such as ballot box stuffing, aimed at favouring transitional president General Mahamat Idriss Deby following the recent presidential polls held on May 6 in the central African nation.
Deby’s primary opponent, Prime Minister Succes Masra, is seeking international assistance, citing surveillance and threats to his safety after the election resulted in at least two fatalities.
Masra highlights persistent violence and threats against him and his supporters since the election day.
“The Transformers,” the party led by Masra, disclosed on Facebook that their candidate’s residence is under drone surveillance, though no further details were provided.
The party condemned what they termed as threats and serious violence to intimidate their supporters, who they claim have also been arbitrarily detained since the voting on Monday.
Masra alleges that Chad’s National Elections Management Agency (ANGE) is manipulating the vote in Deby’s favour. He urges civilians to defend what he refers to as their expressed will at the ballot box against significant electoral fraud.
Chad’s Coalition of Moral Authorities for Mediation (CONAMM), an association comprising traditional leaders, clerics, former government officials, and youth and women leaders, expressed grievances over extensive fraud and intimidation during the polls.
In a statement on Chad’s state television, CONAMM’s secretary-general Baniara Yoyana cited numerous irregularities, including the seizure and stuffing of ballot boxes in favour of Deby by government officials. He suggested that such irregularities could lead civilians to protest, feeling their democratic rights are being violated.
Chad’s opposition and civil society allege that a government soldier who attempted to tamper with ballot boxes in favour of Deby succumbed to injuries after being attacked and stabbed by outraged voters near Moundou, Chad’s second-largest city.
They also report a civilian fatality on election day in Moundou following a dispute at a polling station.
Chad’s government acknowledges these incidents but denies allegations of troops being instructed to vote and manipulate the election in Deby’s favour.
According to Chad’s officials, ANGE is a permanent, independent, and impartial body, dismissing claims that Deby intends to rig the election and declare himself as Chad’s president.
Civil society groups and CONAMM warn that Chad could descend into chaos if the government and ANGE fail to ensure that the published results reflect the desires of Chad’s citizens as expressed in Monday’s polls.
Saleh Kebzabo, appointed by Chad’s government as a state mediator, aims to preempt and negotiate an end to potential crises and threats.
He appeals to all citizens to remain calm and uphold peace while awaiting the official proclamation of the May 6 presidential election results by Chad’s constitutional council, the sole authority empowered to announce definitive results.
Kebzabo asserts that the results contested by civilians are invalid since Chad’s Constitutional Council has yet to proclaim them.
Kebzabo notes that tensions are exacerbated by a ban on filming or photographing result sheets in polling stations and sharing them on social media, radio, and television.
ANGE imposed the ban due to concerns that opposition parties may manipulate the filmed results to incite violent clashes.
The European Union reports that Chad officials barred nearly 3,000 civil society members financed by the EU from observing the presidential election.
Deby assumed the role of transitional president in April 2021 after his father, Idriss Deby Itno, was killed in a clash with rebels following 30 years in power.
He initially pledged an 18-month transition to democracy but extended it by two years.
Many observers anticipate Deby as the likely victor of the May 6 presidential polls, with results to be announced by Chad’s Constitutional Council on May 21.
The opposition and civil society accuse Deby of ruling with an iron fist and allege that he is unwilling to relinquish power. However, Deby asserts he will step down if defeated.
