25 April 2011
Incumbent Idriss Deby Itno is standing for a fourth term at Chad’s presidential election on Monday. Main opposition leaders are boycotting the vote.
There is not much suspense surrounding the first round of presidential elections in Chad this Monday morning. Main challengers are refusing to run against incumbent Idriss Deby Itno, who has been ruling Africa’s poorest country since 1990.
Opposition leaders Saleh Kebzabo, Wadal Abdelkader Kamougue and Ngarlejy Yorongarhave say they fear poll-rigging. They refer to claims of widespread fraud which overshadowed Chad’s February parliamentary elections.
Deby said that the real reason for his rivals’ decision not to participate in the elections is that “they realise they will be beaten”.
As only two candidates from smaller parties are challenging Idriss Deby Itno, he is almost certain to win. Only the turnout rate will be relevant to measure his popularity, commented an observer to AFP.
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Opposition Leaders Boycott Presidential Poll