Polling stations opened today for Chad Presidential election in which incumbent Idriss Deby is one of the first to cast his ballot.
The 68-year-old is expected to extend his three-decade rule in the seven-candidate race, facing no major rivals and a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or violently dispersed.
He won elections in 1996 and again in 2001 before pushing through a constitutional change in 2018 that could allow him to stay in power until 2033.
Chad has been a key ally in the West’s anti-jihadist campaign in the Sahel and Deby has campaigned on a platform promising security.
According to reports, “The first polling stations have been open since 7:00 am in the capital Ndjamena .
“7.4 million voters are called to the polls to decide between seven candidates including incumbent President Idriss Deby.”
In the early hours of election day, the polling stations witnessed low turnout. It is expected that there will be a massive turnout before the end of voting.
