N’DJAMENA, Chad — Voters in Chad participated in parliamentary and regional elections on Sunday, although the turnout was notably low. These elections signify the conclusion of a three-year transitional phase from military governance. However, significant opposition parties chose to boycott the elections, alleging that the electoral process lacked credibility as overseen by the authorities.

These parliamentary elections are the first of their kind in over a decade, following a controversial presidential election earlier this year in which the junta leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was declared the winner amidst claims of electoral fraud. Deby assumed power in 2021 after the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled Chad for thirty years.

Although voting concluded late on Monday, the official announcement of results is not expected for approximately two weeks. Deby emphasized that the elections would “pave the way for the era of decentralization so long awaited and desired by the Chadian people.”

Chad, with a population of 18 million and classified among Africa’s least wealthy nations, has not experienced a genuine transfer of power since gaining independence from France in 1960. This year’s elections are the first to be held in a country under a junta in Africa’s Sahel region, marking a promising yet delayed return to democratic governance.

With at least 8 million individuals registered, voters are to elect 188 legislators to fill seats in the newly established National Assembly, along with representatives for provincial and municipal levels. However, reports indicated a dismal voter turnout in the capital, N’Djamena, with only a sparse number of citizens visiting polling stations.

Mahamat Issa Hissein, a voter in the capital, expressed hope that the elected officials would work for a brighter future for Chad. “We hope that the people we voted for do a good job for a better Chad, a Chad with a future,” he stated.

In contrast, over ten opposition parties, including the prominent Transformers party, have opted out of the elections. This party’s candidate, Succes Masra, was the runner-up in the previous presidential election and has labeled both the parliamentary and presidential elections as a “charade” designed to allow Deby to maintain power and perpetuate a “dynasty.” Masra, who briefly held the position of prime minister earlier this year before resigning to seek presidency, raised concerns regarding possible vote manipulation, advising voters that “It is better to stay at home.”

This election cycle is critical for Chad as the country confronts numerous security issues, from Boko Haram insurgent threats around the Lake Chad area to deteriorating military relations with France, an important ally.

Chadian political analyst Mahamat Oumar Adam highlighted that the key concern of this election is avoiding an extension of the transition period that began in 2021. This transition has already included a national dialogue in 2022, a constitutional referendum in 2023, and the recent presidential election this year.

Adam remarked, “This is the last stage of the process of exiting the transition (but) the shortcoming is related to the lack of opposition in this election.”