Chad's Constitutional Council Confirms Mahamat Idriss Deby as Presidential Election Winner

On May 16, 2024, Chad's Constitutional Council officially declared General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno as the winner of the May 6 presidential election. Deby secured 61% of the vote, dismissing challenges from opposition candidates Succes Masra and Albert Pahimini Padacke.

The final results showed Deby winning with 61% of the vote, followed by Succes Masra with 18.54% and Albert Pahimi Padacke with 16.93%. The voter turnout was 75.78%. The Constitutional Council's president, Jean-Bernard Padare, stated, “In view of the votes cast on the occasion of the presidential election of May 6, Mahamat Idriss Deby having obtained... more than the absolute majority of votes cast, that it is appropriate to declare him president-elect of the republic.”

Why this matters: The outcome of this election has significant implications for Chad's transition to constitutional rule and its impact on the broader region of West and Central Africa. The successful transfer of power could set a precedent for other countries in the region, while a disputed outcome could lead to further instability.

Opposition leader Succes Masra acknowledged the council's ruling, stating, “With the decision of the constitutional council today, we have used all available legal means, and even if we do not accept this decision, there are no other legal means in our judicial architecture.” Masra did not indicate plans to contest the decision further. Albert Pahimi Padacke also accepted the council's decision and congratulated Deby on his win.

Chad is the first of the coup-hit African countries in West and Central Africa to attempt to return to constitutional rule. The May 6 presidential election was disputed, leading to a prolonged dispute that has now been resolved with the Constitutional Council's confirmation of Deby's win.

General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was proclaimed transitional president three years ago by his fellow generals after his father, President Idriss Deby Itno, was killed by rebels after 30 years in power. The regime has long muzzled opposition figures, and Deby's main rival, Yaya Dillo Djerou, was killed in February.

The U.S. State Department has raised concerns about the barring of thousands of civil society and opposition party challenges from observing the electoral process. The election has been closely watched by international powers, including the United States and France, which have expressed concerns about the electoral process.

Following the release of provisional results on May 9, Deby declared himself “the elected president of all Chadians” and promised to make good on his “commitments.” The capital city of Ndjamena remained calm and largely deserted after the final results, unlike the unrest that followed the provisional results announcement, which resulted in at least 10 deaths. Authorities had banned celebratory gunfire, contributing to the quiet atmosphere in the capital.

The confirmation of Deby's election win brings an end to the prolonged dispute surrounding the May 6 presidential elections. Chad's attempt to return to constitutional rule marks a significant moment for the country and the broader region.

Key Takeaways

• Chad's Constitutional Council declares General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno winner of May 6 presidential election with 61% of the vote.
• Voter turnout was 75.78%, with Succes Masra and Albert Pahimi Padacke receiving 18.54% and 16.93% respectively.
• Opposition leaders Masra and Padacke accept the council's decision, ending the dispute.
• Chad is the first coup-hit African country in West and Central Africa to attempt to return to constitutional rule.
• The election outcome has significant implications for the region, with international powers closely watching the process.