Chadian Opposition Leader Challenges Presidential Election Result

Chadian opposition leader Succès Masra has filed a legal challenge with the country's constitutional council alleging electoral fraud in the May 6 presidential election, where officials declared he came second with 18.53% of the vote behind interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who was credited with 61.3%.

Masra, who had earlier claimed victory and warned of rigging attempts, announced the appeal after dozens of his party activists were arrested for allegedly forging documents to illegally access vote counts. His Transformers Party documented numerous irregularities during the voting process, including denied access to polling stations, lack of materials, and even ballot box removals by soldiers.

Masra has urged supporters to remain calm as he seeks to "reveal the truth at the ballot boxes" against Deby, who seized power in 2021 after his father's death.