Chad presidential election: vote to end military regime decided

Chad is set to become the first African country currently ruled by military regimes to transition to democratic rule with Monday's presidential vote.

The move marks the end of a three-year transition period imposed after long-time leader Idriss Deby Itno died suddenly while fighting with rebels.

But there is skepticism that this will make a difference, as his son and successor, General Mahamat Devi, is among the favorites to win.

Prime Minister Success Masra is one of his nine challengers and is considered his biggest rival.

Ten other politicians who wanted to run, including two prominent figures, Nassour Ibrahim Negi Kurusami and Rakis Ahmat Saleh, were excluded by the Constitutional Council on grounds of “irregularity”. Ta. For example, Mr. Kurusami was charged with forgery.

However, some argue that the decision to ban certain people from participating is politically motivated.

Another potential opponent, Yaya Dilo, was killed by security forces in February on suspicion of leading an attack on the National Security Agency in the capital N'Djamena.

Activists are calling for a boycott of the election, saying it is a ploy to give the Deby dynasty a shine to its democratic legitimacy.

Many remain in exile following a deadly crackdown on opposition following the October 2022 protests.

Nevertheless, Chad's election marks a milestone for the West and Central African nation, which has been under military rule since a spate of coups began in 2020.

This could serve as a template for military regimes seeking to maintain political influence after initially seizing power illegally.

The oil-exporting nation of about 18 million people has not had a free and fair transfer of power since it gained independence from France in 1960.

Idriss Deby overthrew Hissene Habré in 1990 and ruled for the next 30 years, until his death on the battlefield in April 2021 at the age of 68.

His son, now 40, took over in what opponents called a constitutional coup and initially promised to remain interim leader for just 18 months, but that period was later extended. He also said he would not run for president.

General Devi is trying to dispel concerns that he is part of a dynasty.

“If I am elected, I will serve a five-year term, and at the end of my term the people will judge me. When it comes to dynasties, our constitution is very clear. , and a candidate may not serve more than two consecutive terms,” ​​he told France 24 television channel.

Masra, also 40, was appointed prime minister by General Debi in January after an agreement was brokered to mend political rifts caused by the October 2022 protests.

The economist, who has been accused by some of betraying the opposition, denied rumors of a secret post-election power-sharing agreement with General Deby.

He called on Chadians to vote for him to end 60 years of “obscurity” and “darkness.”

The people of Chad are hungry for change.

But when it comes to voting, there is a mixture of hope and despair.

Whoever wins, we hope this vote will spark a new era for this country's young leaders, but as life has become much tougher for many people in this country over the past 30 years, I'm in despair.

Results are expected to be announced by May 21, but a second round could be held in June if no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the first round.

Additional reporting by BBC Monitoring.