'Djamena, Chad – In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, scheduled for May 6, Chad's political landscape is marred by early campaigning from junta leader Mahamat Idriss Deby and Prime Minister Succes Masra, raising questions about electoral fairness. Billboards and posters have appeared across N'Djamena advocating for these candidates weeks before the official campaign period, which is set to start on April 14.

Opposition figures, such as Nasra Djimasrgar, have voiced their dissatisfaction, pointing out the unfair head start enjoyed by Deby and Masra. This premature campaigning effectively extends their canvassing period to 35 days, overshadowing the stipulated 21-day campaign window outlined in the electoral regulations, thereby undermining the vote's integrity, Djimasrgar argues.

Albert Pahami, also vying for the presidency and a former Prime Minister, concurs with these sentiments. He criticizes the electoral commission (ANGE) for its failure to enforce campaign regulations, reflecting on the broader issues of authority, neutrality, and competence within the electoral body. This situation, Pahami warns, jeopardizes the democratic process in Chad, a country with a history of contentious elections.

In response to these early campaigns, the electoral authority has issued a call to Deby and Masra to adhere to the prescribed campaign timeline. However, the efficacy of this appeal remains uncertain in a nation where credible elections have historically been elusive.

With the international community's eyes on Chad, the 2024 presidential election represents a pivotal moment for democracy in the region, underscoring the importance of fair play and adherence to established electoral norms.