Voting begins in Chad as opposition calls for boycott

Voting has commenced in Chad’s general elections, framed by President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno as a significant step toward democracy.

However, opposition parties have denounced the elections as a sham and called for a boycott.

Members of the armed forces and nomadic tribes were summoned to vote on Saturday for logistical reasons, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The majority of Chad’s 20 million citizens are expected to cast their votes on Sunday to elect a national parliament, regional assemblies, and local councils.

Polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT) and will close at 5 p.m.

Reporting from N’Djamena on Saturday, Al Jazeera correspondent Catherine Soi said many Chadians expressed indifference ahead of the elections.

“They say they don’t expect to see any changes. They believe the ruling party will win regardless,” Soi reported. “Many are focused on pressing issues like the high cost of living, corruption, and nepotism.”

Opposition parties have strongly urged citizens to boycott the elections.

The main opposition party, Transformers, posted on Facebook: “No campaign, no vote on December 29. Stay at home and ask others to do the same.”

Despite the calls for a boycott, initial estimates indicate that 45 percent of Chad’s 200,000 nomadic tribespeople and 45,000 soldiers had cast their ballots by midday Saturday.

This election comes amid widespread discontent over corruption, economic hardship, and concerns about democratic progress under President Deby’s leadership.

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