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Idriss seized power three years ago after his father, Idriss Déby Itno, was killed, apparently on the battlefield fighting rebels trying to overthrow his government. Deby senior had ruled Chad with an iron fist for three decades.
As Chad goes to the polls on Monday, incumbent President General Mahamat Idriss Deby is the front-runner with no distant second in sight. It may be recalled that Idriss seized power three years ago after his father, Idriss Déby Itno, was killed, apparently on the battlefield fighting rebels trying to overthrow his government. Deby senior had ruled Chad with an iron fist for three decades.
Idriss is a career soldier. He promised to hold elections within 18 months. But, his detractors say, postponed the poll and allowed him to run for president. Even after holding elections, the opposition apprehends the constitutional rule may not return to the West African country. They feel the poll will be rigged.
Success Masra is one of Deby’s main challengers. He has run a grassroots campaign promising access to electricity, water, and security for all. Masra says he and his supporters will not be intimidated into stopping the fight for the rule of democracy in Chad. But, once a fierce Deby opponent living in exile, he is now seen by many as a sellout after he joined the interim government as prime minister.
The only other serious opposition contender is former prime minister Albert Pahimi Padacke, who was seen as an ally of Deby senior. He did however run against him several times, winning 10 percent of the presidential vote in 2021. Padacke has promised to bolster security and reform the justice system.
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Chad is the first in a string of countries in the region which experienced coups in the past four years, to hold elections. Some opposition and civil society groups have intensified their campaign for a total boycott of the poll. The results are expected on 21 May, with the possible second round to be held on 22 June.
