Provisional results released by Chad’s National Election Management Agency indicate that military leader Mahamat Idriss Deby has emerged as the winner of a closely monitored presidential election. Deby secured over 61 percent of the vote, surpassing his closest competitor, Prime Minister Succes Masra, who received 18.5 percent.
This victory enables Deby, the incumbent, to maintain his presidency with the backing of the electorate. Initially assuming the role of interim president following the death of his father, former President Idriss Deby, who was killed in April 2021 while battling a rebel faction in the country’s north, Deby now solidifies his position as the nation’s leader.
However, his rival in the presidential race, Masra, has voiced refusal to accept the election outcome. In a live Facebook broadcast, Masra declared himself the victor and accused Deby and other government figures of manipulating the election results to perpetuate their authority.
Critics highlight a history of political domination by the Deby family, spanning over three decades, and assert that both the late President Deby and his son, the current President Deby, have suppressed opposition voices to retain control. Concerns have also been raised regarding circumstances preceding the May 6 presidential ballot, suggesting potential influences on the election’s outcome.