United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on all parties involved in Chad to ensure a peaceful, inclusive, transparent, and credible electoral process, ahead of the first round of the Chadian presidential elections slated for May 6.
This was stated in a declaration by the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, according to the official website of the United Nations.
Guterres encouraged all political leaders to refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could undermine the peaceful process; to overcome any differences through dialogue and address any grievances through existing legal channels.
The Secretary-General reiterated the UN’s commitment to continue supporting Chad in its efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous future.
The upcoming presidential elections in Chad mark a significant step towards the country’s transition back to democracy after years of junta rule, led by Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who took power following the death of his father, President Idriss Deby Itno, killed in conflict with rebels. The elections follow an extended transition period that was initially supposed to end 18 months after the military takeover in 2021 but was later extended to October 2024. The election will be conducted in two rounds, with the first round on May 6 and a potential second round on June 22 if no candidate secures a majority
Despite earlier promises not to run for president and to restore civilian rule, Mahamat Deby’s eligibility to participate in the elections was solidified by a new constitution adopted in December 2023, after a referendum. This situation has drawn criticism and concerns about the perpetuation of dynastic rule, especially amid accusations from opposition and civil society groups about the junta’s consolidation of power.
The United Nations and other international bodies are likely watching these elections closely, given the strategic importance of Chad in the Sahel region and the broader concerns about democratic backsliding in West and Central Africa, where several military juntas have taken power in recent years.
