Chadians have gone to the polls to elect a new president in what could be the nation's most-watched election in three decades. The polls will mark the end of a transition to democracy by the ruling military government. But some say the vote is just to formalize the military's hold on power.

N'Djamena

Chad's presidential election has commenced, marking a pivotal event in the country's trajectory towards democracy, as reported from the capital, Jemena. This election is viewed as a crucial step following a promise by the ruling military government to transition to civilian rule, potentially ending a significant period of military dominance. Despite the optimistic official stance, there are concerns that the election could reinforce the military's grip on power rather than ushering in a new democratic era.

Voting procedures in Jemena and surrounding areas have been notably peaceful, with high-profile participation from both the incumbent president and the prime minister, the latter being viewed as the president's main competitor. The president, having voted, declared the fulfillment of his commitment to Chadians and to God to hold the elections within the agreed timeframe, intending to return governance to civilian hands. He emphasized that the future of Chad now rests with the people and the divine.

For the voters, the process involves verifying registration, receiving a ballot, casting their vote, and then observing the counting process—a process officials have highlighted for its transparency. It was further noted that all individuals present in polling stations have the right to film the vote counting, and copies of each report are accessible to high governmental officials, ensuring accountability.

The smooth progress of the election in urban centers contrasts with uncertain reports from more remote areas of Chad, exacerbating concerns about the inclusivity of this electoral process. Additionally, security forces cast their votes ahead of the general population to ensure their availability for election day duties, a move indicating the government's anticipation of security needs during this critical period.

As Chadians await the outcome, the election holds the potential to significantly shape the nation's future, whether by affirming the path to democracy or by entrenching existing power structures.



What’s at stake in Chad’s presidential election?

Voting has been largely peaceful here in the capital Jemena and surrounding areas. This was attested to by both the president who voted earlier today as well as the prime minister who is considered the main challenger to the president in this election. I have delivered on the pledge I made in front of God and the Chadian people to organize within the agreed time frame an election that will mark the return to civilian rule. I have met my obligations and accomplished my mission. The destiny of our country is now in the hands of God and the people of the sovereign Chad. It's been confirmed that all those who are going to be in the polling stations, including delegates there, have the right to film the announcement of their results once the voting count has been finished. As head of government, I also have the right to have a copy of each report. The process of this election starts from places like this. This is the board where the name of registered voters is displayed. It starts with the voter coming here to check whether or not his name is here and from here the voter moves to where the electoral offices are seated to be issued with documents to vote. He or she is issued with a ballot paper like this and from here they move to that box over there which is of course the polling booth where the vote is expected to mark the candidate he is supposed to vote for. From there the candidate returns to where the electoral offices are who will be watching closely how proceedings go here. This is the ballot box where the presidential ballot is going to be dropped. That's the process for them and then what happens later is the collation of the results after polls have closed. So far the election process has been going on smoothly here in the capital according to what officials are telling us. It's not clear how things are going on in the hinterland, inaccessible areas where elections are happening simultaneously. On Sunday, security forces were allowed to vote so as to free them for election duties today. Ahmed Idris, Al Jazeera, Jemena.

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