Military coup-hit Chad to hold presidential elections on Monday

Chad is set to hold presidential elections on Monday, May 6, marking the first attempt in a series of coup-affected states across Central and West Africa to transition from military rule through democratic means.

However, opposition groups have raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. The frontrunner in the election is Mahamat Idriss Deby, who assumed power following the death of his father, longtime ruler Idriss Deby, in April 2021 amid rebel activity.

Despite these concerns, Chad's Western allies have largely remained silent, observing the situation closely. Analysts suggest that these allies are hopeful that the elections will, at the very least, result in a relatively stable government in a region grappling with militant violence and facing increasing geopolitical competition, notably from Russia.