Voters in Chad headed to the polls today, Monday, to cast their votes in a long-delayed presidential election, which is set to end three years of military rule under interim President Mahamat Déby Itno. Analysts widely expect Déby to win, although his main opponent attracted larger crowds than anticipated during the campaign.
Mahamat Déby, who cast his vote early on Monday, pledged to enhance security, uphold the rule of law, and increase electricity production. After voting, Déby stated in a Facebook post, "Today, I commit to a fourth pledge, which is to complete the political transition that has been underway in the country for three years. The matter is now in the hands of the people who must turn out in large numbers to choose their president."
The number of registered voters is approximately 8.5 million. Preliminary results are expected by May 21, with final results anticipated by June 5. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the votes, a second round will be held on June 22.
