Chadian authorities announced Sunday that they have barred 10 candidates from running in the May 6 presidential election, including three leading opponents of the ruling military junta. The vote is supposed to mark a return to democratic rule three years after military leaders seized power, but opposition parties say it is a sham.
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The Constitutional Court said the applications of outspoken opponents Nassour Ibrahim Negi Kurusami, Rakis Ahmat Saleh, Ahmat Hassabala Subian and seven others were rejected on grounds of “fraud”. .
The court declared that missing or inconsistent documentation was the cause of the decision and that Kurusami's file listed several different places of birth.
There are 10 other candidates remaining, the most notable being current leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and his prime minister Success Masra. Former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padakke was also approved to run.
Deby Itno was declared interim president by military generals in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled the country for more than 30 years.
Masra, a former opposition leader, signed a reconciliation agreement with military junta leaders earlier this year.
call for boycott
Opposition parties say Mr Masra's candidacy is a ploy to make it appear that the race is open, when in fact Debbie Itno and his main rivals have died or gone into exile. victory is almost certain.
Even before the court announced its decision, opposition party and civil society coalition Wakit Tama (“It's Time”) called on voters to boycott the election, calling it “a sham.”
“If we boycott, [Deby Itno] will be selected. If you don't boycott he will still be elected. So is a boycott important? ” Spokesman Sumain Adamu said at a press conference on Sunday morning.
“Yes, because refusing to vote makes a statement. Because it calls into question the legitimacy of the vote.”
shooting of opposition leader
The election has already been marred by the tragic death of prominent opposition leader Yaya Dilo.
Dilo, who was widely expected to challenge Debbie Itno in the presidential election, was killed last month when soldiers stormed his party's headquarters in the capital N'Djamena.
Authorities claim that Dilo's supporters opened fire as they tried to arrest members of his party on suspicion of attacking security services, killing Dilo in the gunfight.
But his supporters claim he was executed at point-blank range. They claim photos of his body show a single gunshot wound to his head.
Human Rights Watch said Dillo's death raised serious concerns.
“While the circumstances surrounding Yahya Dilo’s murder are unclear, his untimely death highlights the dangers facing opposition politicians in Chad, especially as elections approach,” the watchdog said. Africa Director Lewis Mudge said in a statement.
(with news wire)
