The National Election Management Agency (ANGE) is at the forefront of embarking the Republic of Chad on a historic political journey, with three major elections scheduled. This event will mark the simultaneous holding of legislative, provincial, and municipal elections, giving citizens the opportunity to vote for their representatives at all levels in a single day. These elections represent a significant turning point in Chad’s transition towards democratic governance and decentralization.
1. Legislative elections as a new dawn for the National Assembly
Since the death of former President Idriss Déby in 2021, Chad’s legislative power has been in the hands of the National Transitional Council, a transitory body composed of appointed members. But this transitional period is coming to an end, as the country prepares to elect 188 national deputies to form a new National Assembly. These elected representatives will play a decisive role in shaping Chad’s future, as they will be tasked with passing laws and overseeing the government’s actions. For the first time in years, the voice of the people will echo through the chambers of parliament, bringing renewed hope for a more inclusive and transparent political system.
2. Provincial elections for strengthening local Governance
Chad’s decentralization process takes a bold step forward with the provincial elections, where voters across the country’s 23 provinces will elect members to new Provincial Councils. Each province will send three representatives from every department to the councils, giving provinces greater control over their own affairs. These councils will manage provincial matters such as infrastructure, education, and local development, ensuring that decisions are made closer to the people they impact. This shift is poised to empower regional governance and create more tailored solutions for the unique challenges faced by each province.
This event will mark the simultaneous holding of legislative, provincial, and municipal elections, giving citizens the opportunity to vote for their representatives at all levels in a single day.
3. Municipal Elections to empower Cities and Towns
At the local level, citizens will cast their ballots for municipal councilors in Chad’s 125 urban communes. These elected officials will manage local services, oversee urban planning, and make decisions on how to best allocate resources in their communities. From major cities to smaller towns, local leaders will be chosen to ensure that grassroots concerns are addressed. The municipalities will play a critical role in connecting everyday citizens to the broader national governance framework
Why these elections matter
For the first time in years, citizens will have the opportunity to elect representatives at multiple levels of government, ensuring that both national and local voices are heard. The synchronization of legislative, provincial, and municipal elections also emphasizes the interconnectedness of governance, from the capital to the provinces, down to the cities and towns. In this regard, the upcoming elections are not just a procedural exercise — they symbolize a key moment in shaping the country’s legislative future. The elected provincial and municipal councilors will form the electoral college responsible for electing two-thirds of the 69 senators, thus completing the establishment of Chad’s new bicameral parliament, composed of the National Assembly and the Senate.
This blog post was made possible thanks to financial support from the European Union under grant agreement No. NDICI AFRICA/2022/435-927. The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU.
