Voting under way in Chad amid delays

Voting has begun in Chad’s presidential election, a major step leading to the end of the country’s three-year transition.

The polls were marked by delays, opening one hour behind schedule in some areas.

Transitional President Mahamat Déby kicked off the exercise by casting his ballot in the capital, N’Djamena.

He said he was proud to have fulfilled his promise to respect the deadline for “elections that will signal a return to constitutional order.”

“It’s up to the Chadian people to vote massively and choose their president,” he added.

“We will vote, it’s our duty… even if it takes time,” said a voter who stood in a long queue waiting for his turn to cast his ballot.

Eight million voters are choosing the president from among 10 candidates, including the military leader Déby and the prime minister, Succès Masra.

The preliminary results are expected by 21 May, but a second round could be held in June if there’s no clear winner in the first round of the polls.