Chad is at a crossroads. After years of political transition, the country is about to enter one of the final stages of this process. Indeed, the legislative elections represent a crucial moment for Chad’s future. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the stakes of this political transition and the challenges facing Chad.

The political transition in Chad began in 2021 following the death of President Idriss Déby. Since then, the country has been led by a Transitional Military Council, followed by a National Unity government. Furthermore, the new constitution, which must be approved by referendum, provides for two levels of decentralization and provincial-level representation.

In this context, nearly 179 political parties or coalitions competed, and 1,329 candidates were authorized by the Constitutional Council to appear on the final lists for the legislative elections for 188 parliamentary seats. The last legislative elections took place in 2011. The National Assembly was supposed to be renewed in 2015, but the vote was postponed multiple times, notably due to financial difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, these legislative elections mark a pivotal moment for Chad’s future. They should allow the country to exit the political transition and enter a period of stability. However, many challenges remain. First, the new constitution must be approved by referendum. Next, the legislative elections must be organized transparently and credibly. Indeed, the credibility of the electoral process is at stake to ensure that results are accepted by all.

Moreover, security is a major issue in Chad. The country remains unstable, facing significant security challenges including terrorist threats, the presence of armed groups, and intercommunal conflicts. Finally, citizen participation is essential for the legitimacy of the elections. Civil society organizations (CSOs) must therefore be involved in the electoral process to guarantee transparency and credibility. It is crucial to strengthen the capacity of these CSOs so they can play an active role in the political transition. Additionally, international partners must support the electoral process, ensuring transparency and credibility. They should also encourage citizen participation and assist with security arrangements.

Ultimately, the provisional results are scheduled for January 15, 2025, and the final results for February 3, 2025. These legislative elections represent a decisive moment for the country’s future. The challenges are many, but with citizen participation, transparency, and credibility in the electoral process, Chad can emerge from political transition and enter a phase of stability. In this respect, it is imperative that national and international actors work together to support a peaceful political transition in the country.