Chadians have voted in an election that analysts say will be likely won by military leader Mahamat Idris Deby, in a region where Russia is vying for influence. This election is the first among several countries in Africa's Sahel region that have witnessed coups in recent years.

N'Djamena

Chad's citizens recently participated in their first presidential election since a series of coups rocked Africa's Sahel region. Military leader Mahamat Idris Deby, who seized power three years ago following the death of his father Idris Deby—who was killed by rebels a day after the coup in April 2021—is widely expected to win. This election marks a pivotal moment for several countries in the Sahel region that have experienced military coups in recent years.

Voters in the capital, N'Djamena, expressed varying opinions. One voter, Ahaya Khalil, voiced support for Deby, citing his promises to combat unemployment, enhance security, and strengthen both the rule of law and electricity production. However, some opposition groups and civil society members have boycotted the election, accusing potential vote manipulation and raising concerns over potential violence.

This electoral period has also revealed Chad's strategic geopolitical position. The country is experiencing a temporary withdrawal of US troops amid ongoing jihadist threats. Furthermore, as nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger expel Western forces in favor of alliances with Moscow, Chad remains the last Sahel state with a significant French military presence. Russia's increasing influence in the region underscores the broader geopolitical stakes involved.

The competition for the presidency includes several notable candidates, among them political opponent and former Prime Minister, Sokse Masra, who has attracted surprisingly large crowds during his campaign. Another candidate, Albert Bihimi-Paduké, a former Prime Minister as well, has accused Masra of collaboration with Deby.

Election results are provisionally expected by May 21st, with a run-off scheduled for June 22nd if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote. This election is closely watched both within Chad and by the international community, given its implications for stability, governance, and foreign influence in the region.



Chad votes in first presidential poll since Sahel coups

Chadians queued up to vote on Monday, three years after military leader Mahmoud Idris Daby seized power. This election is the first among several countries in Africa's Sahel region that have witnessed coups in recent years. Analysts say Daby, who took over the day after rebels killed his long-ruling father Idris Daby in April 2021, is most likely to win. In the capital N'Djamena, this voter, Ahaya Khalil, said he'd be getting her vote because he'd promised to fight unemployment. Daby has also pledged to bolster security, strengthen the rule of law and increase electricity production. However, some opposition members and civil society groups have called for a boycott, citing concerns about possible vote rigging. That's raised fears of potential violence. The vote also coincides with a temporary withdrawal of US troops from Chad. That's in a region plagued by jihadist violence and where Russia is seeking more influence. Other junta-led countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, have told France and other Western powers to leave, as they turned to Moscow for support. Chad, however, remains the last Sahel state with a substantial French military presence. Daby's main rival in this election is political opponent-turned-Prime Minister Sokse Masra, who has drawn larger-than-expected crowds on the campaign trail. Also standing is former Prime Minister Albert Bihimi-Paduké, who has accused Masra of collaborating with Daby. Provisional results are expected by May 21st. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the votes, a run-off will be held on June 22nd. For more UN videos visit www.un.org

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