The recent presidential election in Chad sparked strong reactions and protests, with the proclamation of Mahamat Deby Itno as the new head of state. The provisional results announced Thursday gave Deby Itno a victory with more than 61% of the vote, ahead of his main rival, Prime Minister Succès Masra, who obtained more than 18.5% of the vote. This announcement was followed by violent incidents in the capital.
It is important to note that this election took place after three years of military rule in Chad, marking a turning point in the country’s political history. Mahamat Deby Itno, also known as Mahamat Idriss Deby, took power after the death of his father, who ruled the country for three decades before being killed during fighting against rebels in 2021.
Chad, an oil-exporting country with a population of nearly 18 million, has not experienced a democratic transfer of power since its independence in 1960. This election was therefore eagerly awaited by the international community to measure the will of the country to embark on the path to democracy.
However, the protests raised by Prime Minister Masra even before the results were announced highlight fears of election manipulation. The accusations made by Masra against the authorities demonstrate the political tensions and issues surrounding this election.
In short, the proclamation of Mahamat Deby Itno as winner of the presidential election in Chad marks an important milestone in the political history of the country. The challenges awaiting the new president will be numerous, particularly in terms of consolidating democracy and national reconciliation. The international community will closely monitor developments in Chad in the coming months, looking for signs of a successful democratic transition.