Chad defies Supreme Court by maintaining online media ban ahead of crucial elections

In Chad, significant uncertainty surrounds the local council, regional, and parliamentary elections set for this Sunday. As the date approaches, opposition and civil society groups have been vocally opposing the elections, claiming they will be rigged in favor of President Mahamat Idriss Deby. Opposition figures, including a university student Limana Abba, have reportedly been visiting neighborhoods to warn residents against voting, raising fears of potential street violence. Limana stated that he and many registered voters might abstain from voting out of fear for their safety, calling into question the military and police's ability to ensure voter protection despite government assurances. Chadian authorities have implemented measures to preempt any disruption of the electoral process, including the deployment of government troops and police to safeguard the populace and property. Officials have issued warnings about disgruntled civilians potentially resorting to weapons in light of the election. However, dissatisfaction persists among civilians, with protests against the credibility of the elections becoming a daily occurrence as opposition parties argue that interference from Deby’s government undermines the democratic process. The elections are significant as they represent the conclusion of a three-year transitional period following the death of longtime President Idriss Deby Itno in April 2021. As the elections intend to revive the dissolved National Assembly, the government claims it hopes to restore stability and governance in the country. Nonetheless, various opposition groups, such as Wakit Tama, openly distrust the electoral framework and the President, asserting that civilians should avoid voting to protest the government's abuses and violations of freedoms. In addition to electoral tensions, a crackdown on online media has created an environment of unrest in Chad. Journalists have voiced their frustrations regarding a ban imposed on broadcasting audiovisual content by the High Media and Audiovisual Authority. Despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering the ban to be lifted, HAMA has continued to impose restrictions on online media in the lead-up to the elections, arguing it is necessary to maintain their principle of balanced media access for all political parties. Many journalists, angered by this deliberate action to silence dissenting voices, have participated in protests aimed at demanding respect for press freedom in Chad, further revealing the dire state of civil liberties in the country just days before the elections.