"Transitional Leader General Mahamat Deby Faces Challengers, Including Prime Minister Succes Masra, in Chad's Presidential Election"

Chadians are gearing up to cast their votes on Monday, marking three years since the military assumed control. This election holds significance as it marks the first presidential vote in a Sahel country governed by a junta, following a series of recent coups. Analysts anticipate Mahamat Idriss Deby, who took power after his father's demise in April 2021, to lead the race, despite stiff competition. Deby has pledged to bolster security, uphold the rule of law, and increase electricity production.

The election coincides with a temporary withdrawal of US troops from Chad, a crucial ally in the region courted by Russia. Approximately 8.5 million voters have registered, with polling stations closing at 5 p.m. local time, while soldiers cast their votes early on Sunday.

Provisional results are expected by May 21, with final results projected for June 5. In the event that no candidate surpasses the 50% threshold, a run-off is scheduled for June 22.

Since inheriting control of the oil-producing Central African nation from his father, Deby has maintained a robust alliance with France, its former colonial power and steadfast ally.

While other Sahel countries ruled by juntas, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have urged Paris and other Western powers to withdraw and have turned to Moscow for support, Chad remains the last Sahel state with a significant French military presence.

However, the US recently announced a temporary withdrawal of at least some troops, stating it would continue reviewing security operations post-election.

Monday's election pits Deby against his Prime Minister, Succes Masra, who was previously a political opponent in exile in 2022 but returned a year later. Also vying for the position are former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke and seven other candidates.

Yaya Dillo, an opposition politician expected to challenge Deby despite belonging to the same clan, was shot and killed in the capital N'Djamena on February 28, the same day the election date was announced.

Padacke has accused Masra of collaborating with Deby, yet Masra has managed to attract large crowds to his own rallies. Meanwhile, some opposition members and civil society groups are calling for a boycott, citing concerns about potential vote-rigging, which has heightened fears of violence.

"This presidential election is of paramount importance for the country because the entire populace aspires for change," remarked Baniara Yoyana, a former minister and magistrate. "The process must be conducted with transparency to avoid any risk of confrontation."

While one Deby supporter, Abdelkhader Sougui, a 28-year-old student, expressed optimism, stating, "We want the election to proceed smoothly and peacefully. My hope is to cast my vote on the morning of May 6 to affirm our victory... in the first round."