After 3 Years of Military Rule, Chad Holds Democratic Presidential Election
Chad has shifted from military rule to preparing for a presidential election, marking a move towards democracy.
The presidential election in Chad was meant to usher in democracy after three years of military control. However, it might end up consolidating the current interim president’s authority.
General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who took power in 2021 after suspending the constitution, is favored among ten candidates. He became Chad’s leader following the death of his father, who had ruled Chad with a firm hand since 1990. His father died from injuries sustained while visiting troops in the north battling rebels.
Chad, a large country with around 19 million people, has never experienced a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Déby initially promised to hold power temporarily until Chad could transition to a democratic government. However, his actions, such as suppressing opposition protests, have raised doubts about the fairness of the upcoming election.
In Chad, political decisions are made within a presidential republic system. This means that the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. The government handles executive power, while both the government and parliament share legislative power.
The President of Chad is elected by the people for a five-year term. The National Assembly, which comprises 155 members, is elected for four years through single-member and multi-member constituencies.
