N’DJAMENA, May 9 – Chad’s electoral body announced on Thursday that interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby emerged victorious in the May 6 presidential election, securing over 61% of the vote, according to provisional results. This declaration comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions as Deby’s main opponent contests the outcome.
Chad’s transition from military rule to constitutional governance via the ballot marks a significant milestone in the region, albeit amid allegations of electoral irregularities from some opposition factions.
Ahead of the official announcement, security forces were deployed in significant numbers across the capital city of N’Djamena, reflecting the charged atmosphere surrounding the election outcome.
Ahmed Bartichet, the head of Chad’s National Election Management Agency, revealed that Deby garnered a decisive 61.3% of the vote, surpassing the threshold required to avoid a runoff. Deby’s closest contender, Prime Minister Succes Masra, captured 18.53% of the vote.
In a dramatic turn of events, Masra asserted his victory through a live broadcast on Facebook just before the official announcement, urging his supporters to resist what he labeled as an attempt to manipulate the election results. Masra’s call for peaceful mobilization resonated with his supporters, echoing their desire for political change.
The aftermath of the disputed election outcome remains uncertain, with potential for post-election protests looming large amidst allegations of electoral malpractice. The period leading up to the election was marred by incidents such as the killing of opposition figure Yaya Dillo and the exclusion of prominent opposition candidates from the ballot, casting doubts on the credibility of the electoral process.
Despite Masra’s formidable campaign efforts, analysts widely anticipated Deby’s victory, given his entrenched position in Chadian politics following his ascent to power following his father’s demise in 2021.
Concerns persist over the potential for unrest following the election outcome, with experts warning of possible protests tempered by fears of state repression.
The international community closely monitors developments in Chad, particularly amid the Sahel region’s turmoil, with Chad remaining a key player with substantial French military presence amidst calls for Western powers to withdraw from other Sahel nations.
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