The results of the presidential election are expected on May 21, 2024.
General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who was elevated to the rank of Head of State by the army three years ago to succeed his father, is the clear favourite in next Monday’s presidential election.
However, an unprecedented situation in Chad, with both the President and his Prime Minister standing as candidates, could complicate his task.
Succes Masra, a former staunch opponent of Deby, who became Prime Miniser four months ago, is upsetting the situation by attracting significant support.
Political analysts envisage two opposite scenarios.
The first predicts a landslide victory for Deby in the absence of any serious contender among nine other candidates, suggesting that Masra’s candidacy is aimed at keeping their tandem in power, while undermining
dissent.
The second analysis sees Masra as a potential kingmaker, strengthened by his growing support, capable of forcing a second round.
This uncertainty will open the door to protests, repressed as under the reigns of Deby – father and son, in a country marked by coups d’état and rebellions since its independence in 1960.
The campaign is largely monochrome, with posters of Mahamat Deby covering the capital, presaging a “first round knockout,” following in the footsteps of his father, who won nearly 80 percent of the vote in the first round in 2021.
However, accusations of misuse of state resources by the opposition, which is calling for a boycott of what it sees as a consecration of the “Deby dynasty,” hang over the election.
The international community, notably France, has supported Mahamat Deby since he took power following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021, considering Chad to be a pillar in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel.
The results are expected on May 21, with a possible second round on June 22, while tensions and fears of post-election unrest persist.
The ‘Agence Nationale de Gestion des Elections’, ANGE, has invited the candidates to refrain from proclaiming the remaining results, pointing out that this is its exclusive mission.
The ANGE has also warned against photographing electoral reports, which the body responsible for organising the elections believes could disrupt public order.
AC/fss/GIK/APA