Chadian Candidates Gear Up For Presidential Elections

Incumbent President Idriss Deby will run for re-election in a race that includes 14 candidates, according to AFP. Opposition leader Saleh Kebzabo has entered the race, and most of the other candidates are from the opposite side of the political spectrum. Chad is a poor country in Central Africa, but has entered the oil export market in recent years. Elections take place on April 10.

Incumbent President Idriss Deby will run for re-election in a race that includes 14 candidates, according to AFP. Opposition leader Saleh Kebzabo has entered the race, and most of the other candidates are from the opposite side of the political spectrum. Chad is a poor country in Central Africa, but has entered the oil export market in recent years. Elections take place on April 10.

The stakes are high as the next presidential leader will determine Chad’s future in an ever-turbulent world economy, but Chadians have a long way to go when it comes to flourishing in the world market. The Central African nation has enjoyed relative success in the past few years when oil prices were higher, but the price dip dealt a crippling blow to the economy’s revenue stream.

Chad entered the oil business in the early 2000s, replacing the agricultural sector as a major source of income. The country, however, failed to grow wealthier as the government exceled in oil exports, and the economy relies too heavily on oil. Moreover, Chad is not competitive enough in the world market due to its low-skilled workforce and limited infrastructure.

Corruption in Chad, ranking as one of the most corrupt nations in the world, is also a major detriment to economic growth, and Deby’s long-term rule of over 20 years is a barrier to further progress. Chad is among the world’s poorest nations and has some of the lowest life expectancy outcomes in the world, notes Business Insider.

Deby will enter a fifth term if he wins, but his previous track record proves little change will follow, and the same can be said of the opposition. Moreover, Deby is one of numerous leaders in Africa who has remained in power beyond his official term limit, and he achieved this through a 2005 constitutional change that repealed limited terms. Additionally, the executive branch wields a great deal of authority and has the power to stifle opposition.

Chad has a history of political instability and coups that have caused further destabilization. In recent weeks, authorities have dealt with student protests over the alleged rape of a girl by the sons of ruling elites, and the government responded with a heavy crackdown resulting in the deaths of two students.

The presidential contenders include a people with a wide array of political experience, but leaders from the establishment and opposition appear unable to usher in the necessary reforms that will get their country out of its chaotic cycle in the foreseeable future.