Chad’s military ruler emerges winner of presidential poll

The ruling military leader in Chad, General Deby Itno, has emerged as the winner of the just concluded presidential election. The win solidified his stay in power after he came in through a military coup…

Chad’s military ruler, Mahamat Déby Itno, has been declared the official winner of the recently conducted presidential election in the Sahel country.

The electoral victory stamped his grip on power after he emerged through a military takeover.

Gen. Déby won 61.3% of the total votes, according to provisional results announced by the Chadian electoral body.

His closest rival, Prime Minister Succes Masra, secured just 18.53% to come in second, despite his initial declaration that he had won a “resounding victory” in the first round of the poll, arguing that his mandate had been stolen from the people.

Recall that the newly elected president came into power after he was installed as Chad’s leader by the military after his father, Idriss Déby Itno, was killed during a battle with rebel forces in April 2021.

The win for Mr Déby means that his family’s 34-year rule will continue for another political term.

Speaking after he was declared the winner, Mr. Deby promised to serve all Chadians, especially those who voted for him, and to serve as president for those who made other choices.

Chad is the first country in West and Central Africa where the military has seized control in recent years to hold elections and restore civilian authority.

Despite the election of General Deby, critics say little has changed as some opposition reports of irregularities.