Presidential Election in Chad: Security Forces Vote, Tensions in the Diaspora

However, Chadians residing in Cameroon, who came to elect their president, faced incidents of alleged fraud by the N'Djamena regime. Reports indicate cheating in Ngaoundéré and at the Consulate of Chad in Douala, where the Cameroonian police were allegedly deployed to prevent some citizens from voting.

The election campaign ended on May 4, with the two main candidates, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno and Succès Masra, each holding a rally in N'Djamena. The two favorites have promised victory in the first round.

Despite the difficulties encountered, the mobilization remains strong. The President of the Higher Council of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mahamat Khatir Issa, called on the Chadian population to turn out massively to vote on Monday, May 6, 2024, emphasizing the importance of exercising the right to vote for democracy and the country's future.

However, tensions erupted within the Chadian diaspora, especially at the University of Maroua in Cameroon. Students were denied the right to vote because their names were not on the electoral list, despite having an "sedentary" voter card. Clashes broke out, requiring the intervention of the Cameroonian police to restore calm and allow the electoral process to continue.

Meanwhile, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Chadian diaspora also fulfilled its civic duty by voting on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The Consul General, Mr. Abakar Outman Djamé, kicked off the voting, emphasizing the importance of each ballot cast for the stability and prosperity of Chad.

Despite the obstacles encountered, hope remains for a transparent and democratic presidential election in Chad.