Chad's presidential election officially opened on Sunday, marking the start of a heated race with 10 candidates vying for the country's top job.
The campaign will unfold over three weeks and culminate in a presidential election on May 6th, with a second round likely scheduled for June 22nd.
“Within 21 days, the candidates will present their projects to the Chadian people. Extremists and sympathizers will show tolerance during this election campaign, actions that could incite public disorder. It is extremely important to exercise restraint,” Ahmed Bartixe, head of Chad's National Electoral Authority (ANGE), said in a televised address marking the start of the election campaign.
Notable candidates include Chad's interim president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, and his prime minister, Success Masra. Supporters of both men wasted no time and began distributing election leaflets in the capital, N'Djamena, early Sunday morning.
Since 2021, Chad has faced a worsening political and military situation following the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno, father of Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. Authorities have stressed the importance of the presidential election as a vital step towards restoring constitutional order in the Central African country.
Interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who took over power after his father's death, is seeking to consolidate his authority through victory in Chad's presidential election on May 6. On Wednesday, he addressed the nation on state television and vowed to maintain peace and promote development in Chadian countries. A state in central Africa. Furthermore, we have made clear our determination to fight widespread poverty by creating employment opportunities and supporting youth involvement in agriculture.
Mr Deby affirmed that more than 200 opposition parties and around 1,000 civil society groups support him, drawing applause from hundreds of supporters, mainly from his Patriotic Salvation Movement party.
Opposition candidates called on Chadians to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of election fraud to the National Electoral Authority. They also drew attention to what they perceived to be Deby's disregard for democratic norms by starting his campaign before the official start date.
The nine candidates challenging Deby in the election, including the pro-democracy figure Success Masra, who currently serves as caretaker prime minister, insist that Deby intends to maintain her family's grip on power. But Mr Deby has insisted on his promise to respect the vote and relinquish his power if he loses.
