Chadians head to the polls on Monday, marking the first presidential election in Africa’s Sahel region since a series of coups, following three years of military rule subsequent to the passing of longtime leader Idriss Déby.
Mahamat Idriss Déby has assumed the role of transitional president following the death of his father, Idriss Déby, who ruled Chad for three decades until his demise in April 2021.
Déby has pledged to enhance security, reinforce the rule of law, and boost electricity production while facing significant opposition drawing unexpectedly large crowds during the campaign.
The election occurs amidst a temporary withdrawal of US troops from Chad, a key Western ally in a region courted by Russia and plagued by jihadist activity in West and Central Africa.
Polling stations open at 7 am and close at 5 pm, with approximately 8.5 million registered voters. Early voting by soldiers commenced on Sunday.
Provisional results are anticipated by May 21, with final results expected by June 5. In the event no candidate secures over 50% of the votes, a run-off will be held on June 22.
Since assuming leadership of the oil-producing Central African nation after his father’s passing, Déby has maintained close ties with former colonial power France.
Unlike other junta-led Sahel nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have requested the withdrawal of Western powers and turned to Moscow for support, Chad retains a significant French military presence.
However, the US recently announced a temporary withdrawal of at least some troops, indicating a reassessment of security operations post-election.
Monday’s election sets Mahamat Idriss Déby against his prime minister, Succès Masra, who was previously a political opponent and fled into exile in 2022 but was later allowed to return.
Also vying for the presidency are former prime minister Albert Pahimi Padacké and seven other candidates.
Yaya Dillo, an opposition figure expected to challenge Déby despite belonging to the same clan, was fatally shot in the capital N’Djamena on February 28, the day the election date was announced.
Padacké has accused Masra of colluding with Déby, but Masra has garnered significant support at his own rallies.
Some members of the opposition and civil society organizations have called for a boycott, expressing concerns about potential electoral fraud, which has raised fears of violence.
“This presidential election is crucial for the country because the entire population seeks change,” remarked Baniara Yoyana, a former minister and magistrate.
“The process must be transparent to prevent any risk of conflict.”
Despite these concerns, one supporter of Déby expressed confidence in the election’s smooth conduct. “We want the election to proceed peacefully,” said Abdelkhader Sougui, a 28-year-old student.
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