Chad’s interim president, leading a military administration, kicked off his campaign for the upcoming May presidential election, widely anticipated to secure his victory, especially after the elimination of his primary contenders.
As the campaign commenced, the streets of N’Djamena were adorned with his party’s colors and towering images of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, observed by an AFP journalist.
Addressing a large crowd gathered at Nation Square, near the presidential palace, General Itno, aged 40, emphasized his military background and field experience accumulated during his three-year leadership stint.
Following the passing of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who governed Chad for over three decades with a firm hand, General Itno assumed the presidency in 2021, appointed by a junta comprising 15 generals.
Initially pledging to restore civilian rule within 18 months and declining to seek presidency, General Itno later prolonged the transitional phase by two years and ultimately announced his candidacy for the top position.
However, ahead of the election, ten candidates, including fierce critics of the military regime, were disqualified, leaving only former adversary Succes Masra, now serving as prime minister, in contention. Yet, his participation has been criticized by the opposition, accusing him of merely providing a facade of competition.
Masra, a former opposition figure, engaged in a neighborhood meeting with a modest attendance, intending to conduct a grassroots campaign. However, his reconciliation with the junta leader earlier in the year has sparked accusations of betrayal from the opposition, alleging his alignment with Itno to secure a government position.
Notably, Itno’s primary opponent, Yaya Dillo Djerou, met his demise in late February during a military raid on his party headquarters.
The presidential election is slated for May 6th.
