What's happened
Chad's constitutional council confirmed Mahamat Idriss Deby as the winner of the May 6 presidential election, securing 61% of the vote. His main rival, Prime Minister Succes Masra, who received 18.5%, has contested the results, alleging electoral fraud. The election marks Chad's attempt to return to constitutional rule after three years of military governance. The country remains a key ally in the fight against extremist groups in the Sahel region, despite recent tensions with Western powers.
Why it matters
This election is significant as it represents Chad's first attempt to return to constitutional rule after a period of military governance. The outcome will likely impact Chad's political stability and its role as a key ally in the fight against extremist groups in the Sahel region. The allegations of electoral fraud and the subsequent confirmation of Deby's victory could lead to further political unrest and affect international relations, particularly with Western powers like the US and France.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Mahamat Idriss Deby secured 61% of the vote, while his main rival, Succes Masra, received 18.5%. The Guardian highlights that Masra has accused officials of manipulating the results. The New York Times reports that analysts saw the election result as a foregone conclusion, with allegations of ballot-box stuffing. The South China Morning Post notes that Masra called on security forces and his supporters to oppose what he called an attempt to steal the vote.
How we got here
Chad has been under military rule since 2021 when Mahamat Idriss Deby seized power following the death of his father, President Idriss Deby, who was killed fighting rebels. The country has not had a free-and-fair transfer of power since its independence from France in 1960. The recent election was delayed multiple times, and the transitional government extended its rule, leading to protests. Chad remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with significant political and economic challenges.
Common question
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How long has Chad been under military rule?
Chad has been under military rule for three years, following the ascension of Mahamat Deby Itno to power after his father's death in 2021. The transition from military rule to a presidential election marks a significant moment in Chad's political history, with implications for the country's future governance and stability.
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What led to the election violence at a polling station in Chad?
Chad recently witnessed a disturbing incident of election violence at a polling station in Moundou, resulting in the tragic death of a 65-year-old voter. The event has raised significant concerns about the stability and security of the country during this crucial election period. Let's delve into the details surrounding the violence and its implications for Chad's presidential election.
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Who won the presidential election in Chad?
Chad's military leader, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, has been declared the winner of the presidential election, securing over 61% of the vote. However, the results have been contested by his main rival, Prime Minister Succes Masra, leading to tensions and concerns about the democratic process and potential unrest in the country.
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Who won the presidential election in Chad?
Chad's recent presidential election has sparked controversy and unrest. Discover the latest updates on the election results and the implications for the country's political landscape.
More on these topics
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Chad, officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in north-central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon to the south-west, Nigeria to the southwest, and
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Marshal Idriss Déby Itno is a Chadian politician and former military officer who has been the President of Chad since 1990. He is also head of the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement. Déby is of the Bidyat clan of the Zaghawa ethnic group.