Chad’s Constitutional Council confirmed Mahamat Deby as the winner of the May 6 presidential elections on Thursday after dismissing petitions filed by several opposition candidates.
It effectively transitions the country to civilian rule and extends Deby’s family’s stay in power after he succeeded his father three years ago.
Last week, Chad’s Elections Management Body (ANGE) announced that Mahamat Deby had won the May 6 election with 61% of the votes, well ahead of second-placed candidate Succes Masra with 18.54%.
Media reports say heavily armed troops littered the empty streets of N’djamena hours before the council was to make its announcement, underscoring heightened tensions that have trailed the controversial polls.
At least 10 people were killed and dozens injured, last Friday as protests erupted following the announcement of the preliminary results.
Masra acknowledged the ruling, saying, “With the decision of the constitutional council today, we have used all available legal means, and even if we do not accept this decision, there are no other legal means in our judicial architecture”.
Deby has denied that the elections were fraudulent and insists he is now the president of all Chadians. He added that he is now focusing on fulfilling his electoral promises, most importantly bringing back peace to Chad.