Chad is poised to be the first among Africa’s current junta-led nations to transition to democratic governance with its presidential election set for Monday.
This election marks the end of a three-year transitional period that began after the sudden death of long-time leader Idriss Déby Itno, who died while battling rebels.
However, with his son and successor, Gen Mahamat Déby, considered a frontrunner, there remains some skepticism about the potential for real change.
Prime Minister Succès Masra, who is viewed as Gen Déby’s main competitor, is one of nine challengers in the race.
The commencement of the voting was delayed, with polling stations opening an hour late in some regions.
President Déby initiated the voting process by casting his vote in the capital, N’Djamena.
He expressed his pride in having kept his promise to meet the deadline for “elections that will signal a return to constitutional order.”
“It’s up to the Chadian people to vote massively and choose their president,” he added.
“We will vote. It’s our duty… even if it takes time,” said a voter, who stood in a long queue waiting to cast his ballot.
Ten other politicians, including notable figures Nassour Ibrahim Neguy Koursami and Rakhis Ahmat Saleh, who had aspired to contest were disqualified by the constitutional council due to “irregularities,” such as forgery accusations against Mr. Koursami.
However, there are claims that the decision to exclude certain candidates was politically driven.
Yaya Dillo, another potential contender, was killed by security forces in February while allegedly leading an attack on the National Security Agency in the capital, N’Djamena.
Activists have called for a boycott of the election, labeling it a tactic to provide democratic legitimacy to the Déby dynasty.
Many individuals remain in exile following a violent crackdown on dissenters after protests in October 2022.
Nonetheless, Chad’s election marks a significant development for West and Central African countries that have experienced military rule since a series of coups began in 2020.
It might offer a framework for military regimes aiming to retain political control after initially seizing power unlawfully.
The oil-exporting nation, home to nearly 18 million people, has not witnessed a fair and transparent transfer of power since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Idriss Déby overthrew Hissène Habré in 1990 and ruled for the subsequent three decades until his death in April 2021 at 68, during a battle.
His 40-year-old son assumed leadership, following what opponents labeled a constitutional coup, initially pledging to serve as interim leader for only 18 months, a duration that was later extended. He also declared that he would not contest the presidency.
Gen Déby has attempted to downplay concerns about his involvement in a dynastic rule.
“If I am elected, I will serve my five-year term and at the end of my term, it will be up to the people to judge me. As for a dynasty, our constitution is very clear – a candidate cannot serve more than two successive terms, “ he told the France 24 TV channel.
Mr Masra, who is also 40, was named prime minister by Gen Déby in January after a deal was brokered to mend political fractures from the October 2022 protests.
The economist has been accused by some of betraying the opposition but he has dismissed rumours of a secret post-election power-sharing agreement with Gen Déby.
He has urged Chadians to vote for him to end six decades of “obscurity” and “darkness”.
People are desperate for change in Chad.
But when it comes to the vote, there is a mixture of hope and despair.
Hope that this vote, whoever wins, could spark a new era of young leadership in the country, but despair as over the past three decades, life has become tougher for many in the country.
The results are expected to be released by 21 May, but a second round could be held in June if no candidate gains more than 50% of the vote in the first round.