Voting has commenced in Chad’s presidential election, signaling a significant milestone towards concluding the country’s three-year transition period.
Some polling stations experienced delays, opening an hour later than scheduled in certain areas.
Transitional President Mahamat Déby initiated the process by casting his ballot in the capital city, N’Djamena.
He said he was proud to have fulfilled his promise to respect the deadline for “elections that will signal a return to constitutional order.”
“It’s up to the Chadian people to vote massively and choose their president,” he added.
“We will vote, it’s our duty… even if it takes time,” said a voter who stood in a long queue waiting for his turn to cast his ballot.
Eight million voters are currently selecting their next president from a pool of 10 candidates, which includes military leader Déby and Prime Minister Succès Masra.
Preliminary results are anticipated by May 21st, with a potential runoff in June if no candidate secures a definitive victory in the initial round of voting.
