The country is in turmoil. Chad is preparing for a crucial presidential election scheduled for May 6, 2024.
After three years of transition, all eyes are on the ten candidates who were selected for this race for the supreme office.
Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, son of the former Head of State Idriss Déby Itno and at only 39 years old, is the face of continuity. A soldier by training, he is the current Transitional President and the candidate of the Coalition for a United Chad, supported by the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS). This is his first political experience.
Dr Assyongar Masra Succès, 41 years old, embodies the desire for change. An economist by training, he is currently Transitional Prime Minister and represents the Transformateurs party, which he created in 2019.
Alladoum Djarma Balthazar, founding president of the Chadian Socialist Action for Renewal (ASTRE) party, is no stranger to the political arena. A hydraulic engineer and lawyer by training, he is trying his luck for the second time after competing in 2021.
Lydie Beassemda, the only woman among the 10 candidates, she represents the Party for Integral Democracy and Independence (PDI). A food industry engineer and development planner, she has held ministerial positions several times.
Brice Mbaimon Guedmbaye, 48, is a persevering candidate. Holder of a Master’s degree in education system management, he had a career in teaching before entering politics. He represents the Movement of Chadian Patriots for Renewal (MPTR), which he created in 2008.
Pahimi Padacké Albert, 48, is a regular on the Chadian political scene. A lawyer by training, he was Prime Minister twice and is running for the presidency for the fourth time. He is the Founding President of the National Rally of Chadian Democrats Party (RNDT-Le Réveil).
Yacine Abderaman, 39, is a newcomer to politics. Holder of a Master’s degree in Banking Management, he represents the Reformists party and is running for the first time in a presidential election.
Me Bebzouné Bongoro Théophile, 58, is a notary and the candidate of the Party for Rally and Equity in Chad (PRET). Founder of this party in 2018, he is running for the first time in the presidential election in April 2021. He is also a member of the National Transitional Council.
Mansiri Lopsikréo, 41, is the founding president of the Les Elites party, created in 2022. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and Rural Equipment. This is his first participation in a presidential election.
Chadian voters will choose between these ten candidates this May 6 for a better future in their country.
