Chad’s opposition leader contests presidential election results | Global News

Chad’s opposition leader, Succès Masra, is not backing down after the preliminary results of the May 6 presidential election showed President Mahamat Deby Itno as the winner. Masra has filed an appeal with the country’s constitutional council, challenging the results and alleging manipulation.

In a series of social media posts on Sunday, Masra shared a copy of the receipt confirming that documents had been submitted to the council. The election results indicated that President Deby Itno secured just over 61% of the vote, while Masra came in second with over 18.5%. Despite the outcome, Masra had claimed victory before the official announcement, raising concerns about the credibility of the results.

Rakimdon Jacques Houitouto, a human rights law expert based in Chad, explained to The Associated Press that if the constitutional council finds Masra’s case compelling, they may consider canceling the results. The decision timeline, however, remains uncertain.

Chad recently held its delayed election following three years of military rule, with Deby Itno widely expected to win. The incumbent leader took power after his father, who ruled for three decades, was killed in combat against rebels in 2021.

Masra, the leader of The Transformers opposition party, had fled Chad in 2022 following a government crackdown on protests against Deby Itno’s extended term. After an agreement was reached between the government and Masra’s party, allowing exiled politicians to return, Masra was appointed as prime minister.

The appeal filed by Masra sets the stage for a potential showdown in Chad’s political landscape, as the country grapples with the challenge of achieving a democratic transfer of power for the first time since gaining independence in 1960.