Chad’s political landscape saw a decisive turn as interim president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno secured victory in the presidential election, as revealed by provisional results unveiled by the National Election Management Agency (ANGE) on Thursday evening.
Deby, aged 40 and representing the “For a United Chad” coalition, clinched 61.03 percent of the ballots, outstripping his closest contender Prime Minister Succes Masra, who garnered 18.53 percent, according to ANGE President Ahmed Bartchiret’s announcement of the provisional results.
Following the announcement in the capital city of N’Djamena, Bartchiret urged all political stakeholders to uphold calm and peace during this pivotal juncture in the nation’s fledgling democracy. The televised ceremony drew government officials, election observers, and diplomats.
However, Masra contested the results, asserting in a pre-results proclamation Facebook post that his team’s vote tally pointed to a “resounding” victory.
The provisional results are now slated for review by the Constitutional Council, which is expected to declare the definitive outcome before June 5.
Deby, a former army general, ascended to power following his father, Idriss Deby Itno’s demise from injuries sustained on the frontline in the country’s north in April 2021. Steering a transitional government thereafter, Deby grappled with political and military tumult amidst Chad’s complex socio-political landscape.
