Chad is poised to make history as the first of Africa’s current junta-led nations to transition to democratic governance with Monday’s presidential election.
This marks the culmination of a three-year transition period enforced after the sudden passing of longstanding leader Idriss Deby Itno during combat against rebels.
General Mahamat Déby, the late leader’s son and successor, is a frontrunner in the race, raising doubts about whether this change will indeed bring significant transformation. Among his challengers, Prime Minister Succès Masra emerges as a key contender.
Unfortunately, ten other aspiring candidates, including notable figures like Nassour Ibrahim Neguy Koursami and Rakhis Ahmat Saleh, were disqualified by the constitutional council due to alleged irregularities, such as forgery in Mr. Koursami’s case. Critics argue that these exclusions were politically motivated.
Another potential rival, Yaya Dillo, was reportedly killed by security forces in February after purportedly leading an assault on the National Security Agency headquarters in the capital, N’Djamena.
Activists have urged a boycott of the election, dismissing it as an attempt to confer democratic legitimacy on the Deby dynasty.
The election is a significant moment for West and Central Africa, where military regimes have become prevalent since a series of coups in 2020. It could set a precedent for other juntas looking to consolidate political control after seizing power.
Chad, a nation of nearly 18 million people and an oil exporter, has not experienced a genuine transfer of power since gaining independence from France in 1960. Idriss Déby rose to power in 1990 after ousting Hissène Habré and ruled for three decades until his death on the battlefield at age 68 in April 2021.
His 40-year-old son assumed leadership amid criticism of a constitutional manoeuvre and initially committed to serving as an interim leader for 18 months, a period that was later extended. He also initially pledged not to run for president, attempting to downplay concerns of dynastic rule.
“If I am elected, I will serve my five-year term and at the end of my term, it will be up to the people to judge me. As for a dynasty, our constitution is very clear – a candidate cannot serve more than two successive terms, “ he told reporters.
Mr Masra, who is also 40, was named prime minister by Gen Déby in January after a deal was brokered to mend political fractures from the October 2022 protests.
The economist has been accused by some of betraying the opposition but he has dismissed rumours of a secret post-election power-sharing agreement with Gen Déby.
He has urged Chadians to vote for him to end six decades of “obscurity” and “darkness”.
People are desperate for change in Chad. But when it comes to the vote, there is a mixture of hope and despair.
Hope that this vote, whoever wins, could spark a new era of young leadership in the country, but despair as over the past three decades, life has become tougher for many in the country.
The results are expected to be released by 21 May, but a second round could be held in June if no candidate gains more than 50% of the vote in the first round.
