Chad’s Political Turmoil
Since 2021, Chad has been dealing with a lot of political chaos. It all started when Idriss Deby, who ruled the country for a long time, passed away and his son took over.
Now, the people of Chad are getting ready to vote for a new president. This election is a big deal and everyone is watching closely.
Some experts think that this election is just a way for the military to keep control of the country, even though they say they are moving towards democracy.
Chad has been facing a lot of challenges. It’s one of the poorest countries in the world, with many people living in poverty. On top of that, the country is dealing with a lot of refugees from neighboring Sudan.
Chad’s army is strong and plays a big role in the region. They help fight against groups like Boko Haram. So, whoever wins this election will have a big impact not just on Chad, but on other countries too.
The main candidate in this election is General Mahamat Idriss Deby. He took over after his father’s death and has been in power since 2021. Some people think he grabbed power illegally and want him to step down.
There are other candidates too, but some opposition figures were not allowed to run because of issues with their applications.
During his time in power, Deby has been tough on the opposition. Some opposition leaders have been arrested or even killed. Others have been given high positions in the government to try and keep them on his side.
The Main Opposition Candidates for the Upcoming Elections:
Succes Masra
Succes Masra is a prime minister appointed by Deby and a highly educated economist from Harvard and Oxford. He used to be a strong opposition figure until he was appointed in January 2024. Masra is part of the Transformers Party and was involved in the Wakit Tama opposition coalition, which protested against Deby’s long rule.
Following Deby’s announcement that he would seek reelection rather than transitioning power, Masra spearheaded protests denouncing the move as a “coup.” Tragically, the military responded by firing on demonstrators, resulting in the loss of at least 50 lives. Masra subsequently sought refuge in the United States but returned to Chad in December 2023 following peace negotiations. On January 1, 2024, he assumed the position of prime minister.
Masra will be running against his boss, Deby, under the Justice and Equality coalition. This is the first time in Chad’s history that a president and prime minister will compete in the elections. Some speculate that Masra might be working with Deby to maintain the status quo.
Albert Pahimi Padacke
Albert is a former prime minister and presidential candidate under the older Deby. He will be running under the RNDT-Le Reveil party, which was allied with Deby’s political party in the past. Albert came second in the last presidential elections in April 2021.
Alladoum Djarma Baltazar
Alladoum is a politician and founder of the Chadian Socialist Action Party for Renewal. He ran for president in the April 2021 elections.
Theophile Bongoro Bebzoune
Theophile is a teacher and president of the Party for the Rally and Equity in Chad. He is a member of Deby’s Transitional Council.
Lydie Beassemda
Lydie is the only female candidate and the current minister of education. She will be running under the Party for Democracy and Independence.
Mansiri Lopsekreo
Mansiri is an engineer running under the Elites party for the first time.
Brice Mbaimon Guedmbaye
Brice is running for the third time under the Movement of Chadian Patriots for the Republic.
Yacine Abdermane Sakine
Yacine is a 39-year-old banker popular with the youth. He will be running under the Reformist Party.
Nasra Djimasngar
Nasra is an academic running for the first time under his New Day party.
Concerns About the Elections
Some experts believe that the upcoming elections are just a formality to ensure Deby remains in power. The lack of time for another strong opposition figure to emerge since the events involving Masra and Dillo could give Deby an advantage. Critics also question the fairness of the election process, as agencies overseeing it may be biased towards the ruling party. Chad’s economy has been struggling, with a decline in GDP per capita and overreliance on oil revenue. The country could face continued rule by a strongman leader and economic stagnation if Deby wins the election. Despite these challenges, there is hope that Prime Minister Masra, with his economic expertise, could bring positive changes to Chad’s education and health sectors.
