Deby claims Chad electoral victory

Women came to vote in the cool of the morning

The president of the central African state of Chad has won a comfortable re-election victory, according to offical results announced on Monday.

The Independent National Electoral Commission said Idriss Deby had taken 67.35% of the vote, well ahead of his nearest rivals.

Ngarlejy Yorongar, of the Republic Action Federation, won 13.94% of the vote, while journalist-turned-politician Saleh Kabzabo took 6.53%.

Chad results

Idriss Deby: 67.35%

Ngarlejy Yorongar: 13.94%

Saleh Kabzabo: 6.53%

The six opposition candidates issued a joint statement on Thursday alleging fraud, but foreign observers said the vote appeared to be fair.

Opposition candidates have five days to appeal the results.

The country's constitutional council has until 18 June to confirm the electoral commission's figures.

Turnout was just over 80% in the 20 May election.

Allegations of fraud

The first presidential poll in 1996 was marred by accusations of electoral fraud.

Mr Deby seized power in a coup in 1990, then stood for election six years later.

Mr Deby avoided a runoff by winning a majority

His country is one of the poorest in the world, but Mr Deby should benefit from an unexpected financial transformation of the country in the latter half of this presidential term.

Large oil reserves have been discovered in the south-west of the country and the first exports are expected to begin during the next presidential term of office.

A pipeline is being built by an American oil company through to the Atlantic coastline of neighbouring Cameroon.