Chad holds presidential election after three years of military rule

Chad is set to hold a presidential election on Monday meant to end three years of military administration and usher in democracy.

It will end a three-year transition imposed after the sudden death of long-serving leader Idriss Deby Itno while fighting rebels.

But as his son and successor, Gen Mahamat Déby is one of the favourites to win, there is some scepticism about whether this will bring about change.

Déby Itno who seized power in 2021, suspended the constitution, and was installed as the president of the Transitional Military Council is the favourite among the 10 candidates.

The 40-year-old became the central African nation’s leader when his father, who had repressively ruled Chad since 1990, died from wounds suffered on the front line as he visited troops in the north battling rebels.

Prime Minister Succès Masra is among his nine challengers and is seen as his biggest rival.

Ten other politicians who had been hoping to run, including two prominent figures, Nassour Ibrahim Neguy Koursami and Rakhis Ahmat Saleh, were excluded by the constitutional council because of “irregularities”.

The vast country of around 19 million people has never experienced a peaceful transfer of power since its independence from its former colonial power France in 1960.

Activists have called for a boycott of the election that they termed a ploy to lend a sheen of democratic legitimacy to the Deby dynasty.

Many are still in exile following a deadly crackdown on opponents following protests in October 2022.

Nevertheless, Chad’s election is a milestone for countries in West and Central Africa that have fallen under military rule since a spate of coups began in 2020.

It may serve as a template for juntas seeking to maintain political influence after first coming to power illegitimately.

Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament.

The president is elected for a five-year term by the people.

The oil-exporting nation has not had a free and fair transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960.

The results are expected to be released by 21 May, but a second round could be held in June if no candidate gains more than 50% of the vote in the first round.

 

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