Political Tensions Characterize Chad's Imminent Elections

N'Djamena, Chad - Chad is gearing up for its first presidential election since the death of its long-time ruler Idriss Déby, with candidates delivering their final campaign messages this Saturday.

The election is set against a backdrop of significant political transition and national reconciliation efforts.

Success Masra, the current prime minister of the interim government and a former African Development Bank executive, is among the main challengers.

Addressing supporters in the capital, N'Djamena, Masra promised a brighter future for the youth, emphasizing job creation and essential services. His campaign has pledged an ambitious plan to create 200,000 jobs over five years, split equally between the private and public sectors. Masra also highlighted the need for improved access to electricity, water, and security.

In his speech, Masra called for a peaceful and reconciled nation, urging his supporters to remain vigilant during the election and vote count.

“We would like to live in a country at peace and reconciled, so the victory on the horizon is not that of one side against another, but that of all the people of Chad," he stated.

Meanwhile, Chad’s interim president, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, often referred to as “MIDI,” also rallied his supporters. General Déby seized power three years ago following the battlefield death of his father, Idriss Déby, who had led the country for three decades.

Despite initially promising elections within 18 months, his government postponed the poll, allowing him time to consolidate power and run for president himself.

Backed by a broad coalition of political parties and civil society groups, General Déby is widely expected to win the vote.

His supporters cite his achievements in optimizing national defense, promoting national reconciliation, and organizing referendums for a new constitution as evidence of his leadership.

Despite the enthusiasm at the rallies, some opposition and civil society groups have called for a boycott of the vote, citing concerns over its fairness and transparency.

Polling stations are scheduled to open at seven on Monday morning, with results expected on May 21 and a potential second round of voting on June 22.

This election marks a significant moment for Chad and the region, as it is the first in a series of countries affected by recent coups to hold elections.