Chad: Presidential elections/ more than 8 million voters expected at the polls this Monday
On Monday, may 6th, Chadians are heading to the polling stations to choose their next leader for the next five years. More than 8.2 million voters are expected to cast their votes. The voting started at 6 a.m. local time.
Ten candidates are participating in this election, following the disqualification of ten other contenders.
However, many observers believe that this election lacks real stakes, as the outcome seems predetermined in favor of Mahamat Idriss Déby, who is considered the top favorite to retain the presidency.
In opposition to the current transitional president, another major challenger is Succès Masra, viewed by some as a turncoat after switching from being an opposition figure to becoming Prime Minister some time ago.
His candidacy is seen as a maneuver to hold onto his position as Prime Minister after the election.
Another favorite in this election is former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacké.
According to the electoral calendar, the final results of this first round will not be announced until June 5th, a month from now.
If there is a need for a second round, it will be held on June 22nd.
For several weeks, Chadian opposition and civil society have been convinced that this election is nothing more than an «electoral masquerade».
They are urging the population to boycott an election that they see as «already won» by Mahamat Idriss Déby.
Papa IBRAHIMA
