Chad’s opposition leader challenges presidential election results

Chad’s opposition leader has submitted an appeal to the country’s constitutional council to challenge the initial results of the presidential election held on May 6. In social media posts, Succès Masra shared proof that documents had been filed with the council. The preliminary results of the election showed President Mahamat Deby Itno winning with 61% of the vote, while Masra came in second with over 18.5%.

Masra, who is also Chad’s transitional government’s prime minister, had declared victory before the official announcement and accused the election results of being manipulated. However, he has not provided any public evidence to support his claims.

A human rights law expert in Chad, Rakimdon Jacques Houitouto, mentioned to The Associated Press that the constitutional council will review Masra’s case and could potentially overturn the results if they find it convincing. The timeline for a decision from the council is unclear.

Chad recently held its first election after three years of military rule, with many analysts predicting the incumbent’s victory. Deby Itno, also known as Mahamat Idriss Deby, took power after his father, who ruled for three decades, was killed in 2021. The country, which relies on oil exports and has a population of around 18 million, has not experienced a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence in 1960 after French colonial rule.

Masra, the leader of The Transformers opposition party, left Chad in October 2022 following the suspension of his party and six others during protests against Deby Itno’s decision to extend his term. After an agreement last year between the minister of reconciliation and Masra’s party, the exiled politician and other opposition members were allowed to return to Chad, where Masra was later appointed prime minister.