Chad's Presidential Election: Deby Faces Opposition as France and US Observe
Chadians are holding their first presidential election since military leader Mahamat Idriss Deby took power in 2021, following the death of his father Idriss Deby.
Deby is expected to win, but his chief opponent has gained larger-than-anticipated support.
Deby has pledged to improve security, rule of law, and electricity production.
The election comes as US troops temporarily withdraw from Chad, a Western ally in a region of West and Central Africa where Russia is increasing its influence and jihadism is prevalent.
Over 8.5 million people are registered to vote, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
In the Central African Republic, soldiers started early voting for the presidential election on Sunday, May 15.
Preliminary results are anticipated by May 21, with final results due by June 5.
If no candidate secures over 50% of the votes, a run-off will occur on June 22.
President Deby, who took over from his father and has maintained a close relationship with France as the former colonial power, has kept a significant French military presence in Chad.
In contrast, other Sahel countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have asked Western powers, including France, to leave and have sought Russian support instead.
The US recently announced a temporary withdrawal of some troops, with plans to reassess security operations following the election.
On Monday, February 27, 2023, Chad's President Idriss Deby is set to face off against prime minister Succes Masra, a former political opponent who returned from exile last year, in the presidential election.
Masra, who has attracted large crowds to his rallies, is also accused of collaborating with Deby by opposition leader Albert Pahimi Padacke.
However, some opposition members and civil society groups have called for a boycott due to concerns about vote-rigging, which has raised fears of potential violence.
Additionally, opposition politician Yaya Dillo, who was expected to run against Deby, was shot and killed in the capital N'Djamena on the day the election date was announced.
Other candidates include seven individuals.
A former minister and magistrate, Baniara Yoyana, emphasized the significance of the presidential election due to the desire for change among the people.
He stressed the importance of transparency to prevent any potential conflicts.
In contrast, Abdelkhader Sougui, a Deby supporter and student, expressed optimism for a peaceful and successful election.
He hoped to vote on May 6 to affirm their victory in the first round.
Deby has pledged to improve security, rule of law, and electricity production.
The election comes as US troops temporarily withdraw from Chad, a Western ally in a region of West and Central Africa where Russia is increasing its influence and jihadism is prevalent.
Over 8.5 million people are registered to vote, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
In the Central African Republic, soldiers started early voting for the presidential election on Sunday, May 15.
Preliminary results are anticipated by May 21, with final results due by June 5.
If no candidate secures over 50% of the votes, a run-off will occur on June 22.
President Deby, who took over from his father and has maintained a close relationship with France as the former colonial power, has kept a significant French military presence in Chad.
In contrast, other Sahel countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have asked Western powers, including France, to leave and have sought Russian support instead.
The US recently announced a temporary withdrawal of some troops, with plans to reassess security operations following the election.
On Monday, February 27, 2023, Chad's President Idriss Deby is set to face off against prime minister Succes Masra, a former political opponent who returned from exile last year, in the presidential election.
Masra, who has attracted large crowds to his rallies, is also accused of collaborating with Deby by opposition leader Albert Pahimi Padacke.
However, some opposition members and civil society groups have called for a boycott due to concerns about vote-rigging, which has raised fears of potential violence.
Additionally, opposition politician Yaya Dillo, who was expected to run against Deby, was shot and killed in the capital N'Djamena on the day the election date was announced.
Other candidates include seven individuals.
A former minister and magistrate, Baniara Yoyana, emphasized the significance of the presidential election due to the desire for change among the people.
He stressed the importance of transparency to prevent any potential conflicts.
In contrast, Abdelkhader Sougui, a Deby supporter and student, expressed optimism for a peaceful and successful election.
He hoped to vote on May 6 to affirm their victory in the first round.
Translation:
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Translated by AI
