The African Union has praised what it called a peaceful presidential election in Chad despite fears of violence on polling day on Sunday.
There were violent crackdowns of opposition supporters ahead of the vote but polling has passed off peacefully with no report of untoward incident throughout the exercise.
“I would say with this vote which started on Sunday, we are delighted that things have unfolded in the peace, security and freedom for those who have the right to vote” said Klassou Komiselom, the AU’s man in NDjamena shortly after polls closed on Sunday.
He said as votes are being counted into Monday the AU is confident that the results will reflect the true will of the Chadian people which would be acceptable to all.
Prior to the vote a series of arrests of politicians and demonstrators were made on the orders of the Interior ministry over alleged plots assassinate key figures and sabotage polling stations and the main offices of the electoral commission.
10 of incumbent Idriss Deby’s presidential poll challengers were prevented from running or forced to withdraw their bid for the presidency.
68-year old Deby in power since he seized control of the country in 1990, looks set for a sixth term in office.
Human rights defenders accused his government of using brute force to stifle dissenting voices.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had voiced concern about the pre-poll clampdowns on members of the opposition.
WN/as/APA