General Mahamat Idriss Déby, the leader of Chad’s junta, emerged victorious in the presidential election held on May 6, securing 61 percent of the vote, as announced by the Constitutional Council on Thursday.
The final results also saw Prime Minister Succès Masra, Déby’s main rival, coming in second with 18.54 percent, followed by former prime minister Albert Pahimi Padacké with 16.93 percent.
Masra, who initially contested the election outcome, accusing Déby’s team of rigging, urged his supporters to “mobilise peacefully.” This election marked a significant development in Chad’s political landscape, especially considering Masra’s past as a staunch opponent of Déby before assuming the role of prime minister four months ago.
However, opposition voices have faced suppression under the administration, with instances like the assassination of Déby’s cousin and chief opponent, Yaya Dillo Djérou, in February. International human rights groups had raised concerns over the credibility and fairness of the election.
Déby’s ascension to power began three years ago when he was declared the transitional president by his fellow generals following the demise of his father, the long-time authoritarian leader Idriss Déby.
