26yrs in office, Chadian President wins 5th term

President Idriss Deby of Chad has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election held in April 10 across that country.

The win marks his fifth term in office after securing 62 per cent of votes and avoiding a second-round vote, with his nearest rival, Saleh Kebzabo, taking 13 per cent of votes cast.

But the opposition parties continue to grumble, saying the vote counting lacked credibility, and that hundreds of ballot boxes disappeared during the process.

Deby took over power 26 years ago in a coup, and has been the head of government in the former French colony ever since.

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Ahead of the announcement of the results late on Thursday, there was a strong military presence in the city, the AFP news agency reports.

During the 10 April election, there was an online blackout as access to the internet was cut and mobile phones were unable to send text messages.

Twelve candidates ran against Deby and turnout among the more than six million registered voters was 71%, the electoral commission said.

Mr Deby has denied opposition claims that about 60 soldiers who voted against him have disappeared.

In the run-up to the vote, protest marches were banned and four activists campaigning against the president were given suspended sentences.

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