Chad Opposition Leader Criticizes 'Dynastization' in Presidential Election

Nasra Djimasngar, a representative from the Un Nouveau Jour party, voiced strong criticism of the "dynastization" and ideological continuity in Chad's upcoming presidential election during a CEDPE debate on April 25, 2024. Djimasngar contended that the transition process led by Mahamat Idriss Deby, the son of the late president Idriss Déby Itno, is designed to maintain power within the family.

The opposition leader cited the violent suppression of dissent, the composition of electoral institutions, and the approval of presidential candidates as evidence of a flawed electoral process. Both Mahamat Idriss Deby, the transitional president, and his prime minister Succes Masra are running in the May 6 election, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the transition.

Djimasngar and other opposition groups have called for a boycott of the election, citing the lack of democratic freedoms and the dominance of Deby's supporters in the electoral institutions. "The election risks reverting to historical patterns of rebellion and armed conflict if open political debate and alternative leadership are not fostered," Djimasngar cautioned during the debate.

The opposition has accused the ruling coalition of using state funds for their campaign, further undermining the fairness of the electoral process. Djimasngar expressed concerns that the election strategies are designed to ensure Mahamat Déby's continuous grip on power, rather than facilitating a genuine democratic transition.

Why this matters: The upcoming presidential election in Chad marks a critical juncture for the country's political future, as it emerges from a turbulent transition period following the death of long-time president Idriss Déby Itno. The opposition's concerns about the fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process underscore the challenges in establishing a genuine democratic system in Chad.

The CEDPE debate, which took place just days before the May 6 election, highlighted the deep divisions within Chad's political landscape. As the country prepares to head to the polls, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the election is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, and that the outcome reflects the will of the Chadian people.

Key Takeaways

• Opposition leader Nasra Djimasngar criticizes "dynastization" in Chad's upcoming election.
• Transitional president Mahamat Idriss Deby and PM Succes Masra are running, raising legitimacy concerns.
• Opposition calls for boycott, citing lack of democratic freedoms and Deby's dominance in institutions.
• Opposition accuses ruling coalition of using state funds for their campaign, undermining fairness.
• Upcoming election is a critical juncture for Chad's political future, with concerns about its legitimacy.