Succès Masra, the Prime Minister appointed by the Chadian junta, declared his candidacy for the presidency, just a week after interim president Mahamat Déby, the junta leader, announced his own bid.
Masra, once an opposition figure, forged a reconciliation pact with Déby upon returning from exile and assumed the role of prime minister in January.
Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Masra expressed his aim to unify the nation and “heal hearts.” However, critics from the opposition argue that this move is merely a strategy to create the illusion of diversity in an election they believe Déby is destined to win.
It is “a farce, a fake candidacy to accompany the head of military power”, Max Kemkoye, the spokesman of a group of opposition parties GCAP, told newsmen.
The primary contender to Mr Déby, opposition figure Yaya Dillo, met his demise in a confrontation with security forces on February 28.
The government attributed the incident to his alleged involvement in a fatal assault on the nation’s security agency, a charge vehemently denied by Dillo.
Expected to be the principal adversary in the upcoming election against Mr Déby, Yaya Dillo’s death adds a tragic turn to the political landscape. Déby ascended to Chad’s leadership following the demise of his father, who fell victim to rebel forces after a reign spanning three decades
