Chadians cast their votes on Sunday in the country’s first parliamentary elections in over ten years, a crucial step in completing the transition to constitutional rule under President Mahamat Idriss Deby.
However, the election was overshadowed by a boycott from key opposition parties, including Succes Masra’s Transformateurs party, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process.
President Deby, who seized power in 2021 following the battlefield death of his father, former President Idriss Deby, secured his mandate in a contested election earlier this year. Sunday’s legislative, municipal, and regional elections mark another milestone in his consolidation of power.
Voting began for nomads and military personnel on Saturday, while the general public started casting their ballots at 7 a.m. local time on Sunday. Over eight million registered voters participated in selecting representatives across multiple levels of government.
For many Chadians, the elections represent a glimmer of hope for change. Moussa Ali Hissein, a 27-year-old voter, expressed optimism: “This is the first time I am voting for three candidates at once. I hope they fulfill their promises, especially about creating jobs for young people.”
Similarly, Abel Moungar, 31, highlighted his hopes for social and economic improvements: “I feared people would boycott, but I’m glad many turned out to vote.”
Provisional results are expected by January 15, 2025, with final results to follow by January 31, 2025.
Chad remains a strategic ally in the fight against Islamic militancy in the Sahel but recently ended its defense cooperation agreement with France and threatened to withdraw from a regional security force. Additionally, the nation faces ongoing challenges, including hosting over 600,000 refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring Sudan.
