Chad’s top court bars main opposition leaders from May 6 elections
Chad's upcoming presidential election on May 6 has faced controversy as authorities announced the exclusion of ten candidates, including two prominent critics of the military regime.
The constitutional court cited "irregularities" in the applications of Nassour Ibrahim Neguy Koursami and Rakhis Ahmat Saleh, leading to their disqualification, TRT Afrika has reported. Among those remaining in the race are current junta leader Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and Prime Minister Succes Masra.
General Deby Itno assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of his father, who had ruled Chad for over thirty years. The decision to bar key opposition figures has raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process in the Sahel country.
Chad's upcoming presidential election will make history as it marks the first time a president and a prime minister will face each other in a presidential poll. Succes Masra, who was once a vocal critic of Chad's military rulers, had fled the country following a crackdown on protests in N'Djamena in October 2022, where dozens were killed.
He returned in November under a reconciliation agreement ensuring his participation in political activities. However, the recent decision to bar opposition candidates, including Masra's rivals, comes amid heightened tensions. Notably, Yaya Dillo Djerou, General Deby's main rival, was shot dead in an army assault on his PSF party headquarters less than a month ago.
