The main opposition figures are boycotting after their demands for electoral reform were not met. There are concerns that the boycott could affect voters turnout.
Mr Deby, who has faced two attempted coups since the last polls, has recently mended relations with Sudan, where rebel fighters were based. The BBC’s former correspondent in Chad, Celeste Hicks, says this has helped to restore security and it is significant that Monday’s election is taking place in relative peace.
Mr Deby is facing two challengers: a lawyer, Nadji Madou, and a former agriculture minister, Albert Pahimi Padacke. However, both are relatively unknown.
Many voting stations in the capital, N’Djamena, opened late because of the late arrival of voting materials and staff, the AFP news agency reported, quoting witnesses.
Full Article: BBC News – Chad opposition boycotts presidential election.
