Chad’s Prime Minister Challenges Presidential Election Results, Alleging Irregularities

By Caroline Ameh 

Chad’s interim Prime Minister, Succès Masra, has filed a petition at the Constitutional Council to contest the preliminary results of the recent presidential election. Despite General Mahamat Déby being declared the winner with 61% of the vote, Masra asserts himself as the rightful victor.

In a social media announcement on Monday, Masra, accompanied by his legal team, emphasized the need to uncover the truth behind the ballot boxes. He cited concerns over alleged ballot stuffing and the suspicious relocation of ballot boxes by soldiers, prompting calls for the annulment of the election results.

Masra’s Transformers party has raised alarm over the arrest of opposition members and threats directed at Masra and his supporters. Nevertheless, Masra maintains a stance of peaceful advocacy for his cause, urging his followers to prioritize the welfare of the country amidst the political turmoil.

Prior to the announcement of election results, Masra had called upon his supporters to mobilize and engage in peaceful demonstrations to safeguard their votes. The Constitutional Council is now tasked with deliberating on Masra’s petition and deciding whether to uphold the preliminary results or annul them, as requested by Masra and another candidate, Yacine Abdramane Sakine.

Despite the council’s pending confirmation of Déby as Chad’s new president, some international leaders, including Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu and Guinea Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embalo, have already extended their congratulations to the military leader. The outcome of Masra’s petition remains uncertain, yet it reflects the ongoing political tension and struggle for legitimacy in Chad’s electoral landscape.