Chad’s top court bars main opposition leaders from May 6 elections

c71b52f5 e5fe 45ca b0ab d00b15d2e88f

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.

More from Qonversations

Uncategorized

jd vance cats

Misinformation, and the immigrant scapegoat: Are Haitian migrants really eating pets in Ohio?

Uncategorized

1623013c bd05 4396 bbff 9244fc3a4b24

Meet Muluwork, the Ethiopian woman who hasn’t eaten for 16 years

Uncategorized

44835100 c7db 4820 9105 60b8258cc7c1

Meet the Ethiopian-born teen saving lives with his skin-cancer prevention soap

Uncategorized

Woman and man fertility

Can men really smell when women are most fertile? New study finds out

Front of mind