Chad’s Constitutional Council has sparked controversy by validating the results of the country’s recent parliamentary elections, despite widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities.
The ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party, led by President Field Marshal Mahamat Idriss Deby, was proclaimed the winner.
Opposition parties, however, are crying foul, citing instances of ballot box stuffing, voter intimidation, and low turnout.
Clement Sianka, spokesperson for the National Assembly of Democrats, expressed his party’s surprise and disappointment at the council’s decision, stating that the elections were marred by “fraud, low voter participation, and intimidation of civilians”.
The opposition is now calling for a new transitional government to be formed and for transparent elections to be organized, in an effort to bring an end to the Deby family’s three-decade rule.
Meanwhile, officials have announced that nominations for senatorial elections are open, marking the next step in the country’s transition process.
The development has led to protests in the capital city of N’Djamena, with opposition leaders assembling to denounce the election results.
The situation highlights the ongoing struggles for democracy and transparency in Chad, a country with a complex history of authoritarian rule.
