The African Union lauded Chad’s presidential election for running smoothly as ballots were being counted after sunday polls.
Demonstrations were banned or violently disrupted during the campaign, raising concerns among rights organizations that claim authorities have cracked down on dissent.
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres have all expressed their displeasure.
The African Union, on the other hand, expressed relief that the election day went off without a hitch.
Klassou Komiselom, the African Union’s Head of Mission, said after the polls closed on Sunday
“We give thanks to God that the process which started a while ago and which ends, I would say with this vote which started on Sunday, we are delighted that things have unfolded in the peace, security and freedom for those who have the right to vote.”
No irregularities were also registered, according to a member of the country’s independent electoral commission.
“We thank God that everything went well, there were no problems, no incidents, that’s the main thing. Everything went according to plan and that’s the main thing,” said Ouman Mahamat, member of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI).
Educator, writer and legal researcher at Alafarika for Studies and Consultancy.