Chad: 23 candidates file to contest April presidential election

Twenty-three candidates have submitted their applications to contest Chad’s presidential election scheduled for April 10 this year, according to the national electoral board.

Ngarledji Yorongar, a federal party member was the last to present his papers on Monday just before the deadline.

It is a custom for many candidates to arrive even an hour to the closure of filing of nominations.

After announcing that he will seek a fourth term in office, President Idriss Deby submitted his application ten days before the deadline.

The country’s main opposition leader, Saleh Kebzabo, has also filed his nomination.

Chad’s opposition led a nationwide shutdown last week to protest President Idriss Deby Itno’s bid for a fifth term in office.

A large number of shops and schools remained closed, and traffic stayed off the streets in the capital, N’Djamena, and several other cities.

The strike was under the slogan, “That’s enough,” and was staged by several opposition groups who oppose Deby’s bid.