N’DJAMENA: Chad’s National Independent Electoral Commission (ANGE) announced on Tuesday that the country will hold a presidential election on May 6, marking the end of three years of junta rule. The election comes after President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno assumed power following his father’s death in combat against rebels.
President Mahamat Deby Itno, 37, took control of an army junta after the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had governed Chad for three decades through authoritarian rule. The younger Deby Itno had pledged to return power to civilian rule and organize elections within 18 months, but the transition period was extended for an additional two years.
ANGE President Ahmet Bartchiret emphasized the necessity of holding elections before the October 10 deadline, warning of potential chaos if the transition period were to expire without a vote.
Political Situation in Chad
In mid-January, the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party nominated Mahamat Deby Itno as its candidate for the presidential election. Although he had previously indicated to the African Union that he would not seek the presidency, a new constitution, approved in a mid-December referendum, now permits his candidacy.
However, the Chadian opposition has voiced opposition to Mahamat Deby Itno’s candidacy, accusing him of seeking to perpetuate “dynastic succession” and consolidate power. The opposition also raised concerns about human rights violations, including a deadly crackdown on demonstrators in October 2022 and alleged lack of accountability for the perpetrators.
Despite opposition boycotts, the new constitution was adopted in December 2023 with an overwhelming 86 percent vote in favor. The referendum’s outcome and the subsequent presidential election mark significant milestones in Chad’s transition from junta rule to civilian governance.
