Chad Votes For A New President

Candidates in Chad delivered their final campaign messages on Saturday, ahead of the country’s first presidential election since the death of long-time ruler Idriss Deby.
Success Masra, the interim government’s prime minister, is one of the main challengers.

Speaking to supporters in N’Djamena, the former African Development Bank executive promised a brighter future and more job opportunities. His programme includes an ambitious five-year plan to create 200,000 jobs, split equally between the private and public sectors, as a “minimum package of dignity.

We want to live in a peaceful and reconciled country, so victory is on the horizon for all Chadians, not just one side. “The victory of hope for peace, the victory of an optimistic future over a difficult past,” he said.

He urged his supporters to be vigilant throughout the election and vote count.

The country’s interim president, General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, also spoke with supporters elsewhere in the city.

He took power three years ago after his father, Idriss Déby, was killed, allegedly on the battlefield fighting rebels attempting to overthrow his government. Deby senior ruled Chad with an iron fist for three decades.