People in Chad have been voting in a presidential election that is expected to give one of Africa s longest-serving leaders a sixth term.
President Idriss Déby, who seized power in a military coup in 1990, has been accused of stifling dissent in the lead-up to the vote.
Most prominent opposition leaders withdrew from the race, alleging attacks by the security forces.
They urged supporters to boycott the election and to protest.
What happened on election day?
The authorities appeared to have braced themselves for violence.
Soldiers were out on the streets in force across the capital N Djamena on Sunday morning and the previous day municipal workers collected car tyres that protesters could set on fire, reports Reuters news agency.
Chad votes with 30-year ruler Idriss Deby poised for sixth win
Monday April 12 2021
Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno casts his ballot at a polling station in N djamena, on April 11, 2021. PHOTO | AFP
Summary
Deby urged voters at his final rally on Friday to turn out massively , but many residents have voiced disinterest in an election whose outcome already appears certain.
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Chad headed into presidential elections Sunday with Idriss Deby Itno, ruler for the last three decades, set to win a sixth term.
A key ally in the West s anti-jihadist campaign in the Sahel, Deby, 68, is the frontrunner in a six-candidate race without major rivals, after a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or dispersed.
Chad Votes With 30-year Ruler Deby Poised For Sixth Win
04/11/21 AT 4:00 AM
Chad headed into presidential elections Sunday with Idriss Deby Itno, ruler for the last three decades, set to win a sixth term.
A key ally in the West s anti-jihadist campaign in the Sahel, Deby, 68, is the frontrunner in a six-candidate race without major rivals after a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or dispersed.
Queueing to vote in the capital N Djamena, a 25-year-old saleswoman named Bernadette told AFP she was voting for Deby because thanks to him I am free to walk wherever I want, day or night, in total security .
Chad headed into presidential elections Sunday with Idriss Deby Itno, ruler for the last three decades, set to win a sixth term. A key ally in the West's anti-jihadist campaign in the Sahel, Deby, 68, is the frontrunner in a six-candidate race without major rivals after a campaign in which demonstrations were banned or dispersed. Queueing to vote in the capital N'Djamena, a 25-year-old saleswoman named Bernadette told AFP she was voting for Deby.