Chad's opposition Transformers party has said it will not run in the country's legislative and local elections on December 29 because the result was decided in advance.
Succes Masra, one of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno's fiercest opponents, claimed victory in the May presidential election in which he secured 18.5% of the vote, after alleging Deby's team would rig the result.
"The Transformers will not participate in the legislative elections in December," Masra told supporters at a ceremony for victims of anti-junta protests two years ago on Sunday.
"To participate in these elections amounts to condoning a result that has already been entered in the computers of the opposing camp," the 41-year-old economist, who was for a while prime minister under Deby, said.
Deby's presidential election victory
The GCAP opposition group also said last month it would boycott the election.
After a new constitution was approved in a referendum in December, Deby, 40, was elected president in May in voting that the opposition boycotted and international observers said was not credible.
Deby had been proclaimed transitional president by fellow army generals in 2021 after his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had ruled Chad for 30 years, was killed in a gun battle with rebels.
Deby promised an 18-month transition to democracy but extended it by two years. Opposition figures have since fled, been silenced or joined with Deby.
Deadly protests
On October 20, 2022, the army and police opened fire on demonstrators protesting the transition extension.
At least 300 young people died according to international NGOs. The government says about 50 died.
"Despite uncertainties, difficulties and hurdles, the process is coming to an end and the commitments that were made will be honoured," Deby said on Friday, confirming the election date.
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