Chad holds presidential election amid concerns of stability and democracy

The election, widely anticipated to reaffirm Deby Itno’s position, follows a tumultuous period triggered by his assumption of power following his father’s demise in combat against rebels in 2021.

Initially, Deby Itno’s government extended the transition period by two years, sparking nationwide protests. Against this backdrop, the nation of nearly 18 million people sought a path towards democratic governance, a journey marked by historical challenges.

With ten candidates, including a female contender, on the ballot, over 8 million registered voters participated in the election, in a country grappling with extreme poverty. Despite a semblance of competition, analysts predict Deby Itno’s victory, especially after the demise of key opposition figure Yaya Dillo, under mysterious circumstances.

Chad’s strategic importance as a stable ally in the Sahel region, amidst turmoil in neighboring nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has garnered attention from global powers like the US and France. Western apprehensions about instability in Chad, compounded by the nation’s role in hosting a significant refugee population from Sudan, underscore the international community’s muted response to the election, prioritizing stability over democratic principles.

Incidents of violence during the election period, resulting in casualties, cast shadows over the electoral process. Concerns were also raised about the denial of accreditation to many observers, limiting oversight. Additionally, Chad faces challenges from escalating food prices due to global conflicts, as well as the persistent threat of Boko Haram insurgency from Nigeria.

Despite efforts to restore peace in the Lake Chad region, recent attacks by Boko Haram have reignited fears of violence. The killing of prominent opposition figure Dillo has prompted calls for investigations, casting doubts on the election’s fairness.

As votes are counted and preliminary results awaited, the outcome holds profound implications for Chad’s future trajectory. Whether the election marks a genuine step towards democratic consolidation or reinforces existing power dynamics remains to be seen, with runoff possibilities looming if no candidate secures outright victory.