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Derby largely projected to win as Chad goes to poll

Mahamat Deby

Voting is under way in presidential elections in Chad.

The transitional military leader, Gen Mahamat Deby, is facing nine opponents in a poll he is widely expected to win.

Known as the Man in Dark Glasses, Gen Deby has been in power since the death of his father Idriss, who himself ruled the country for three decades.

Opponents say the vote is an attempt to legitimise a dictatorial dynasty and have called for a boycott.

Chad is the last Sahel country with a substantial French military presence after military regimes in neighbouring Niger as well as Burkina Faso and Mali turned to Moscow for support.

Analysts say western powers are keen to retain some influence with its leadership.

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