Chad has commenced vote counting in its first presidential election since a series of coups shook Africa's Sahel region. The election in N'Djamena was marked by heightened security with dozens of soldiers and riot police patrolling the streets amid rising tensions, a contrast to the usual bustle during the final hours of voting.

The capital's southern neighborhoods, known for their opposition support, saw the deployment of at least 30 armored and other military vehicles.

The election was marred by violence when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a polling station in Moundou, the country's second-largest city, resulting in the death of at least one voter.

Further complications arose as nomads, comprising about 7% of Chad's population, were unable to vote on the designated early voting day due to logistical issues, adding to the tension and frustration among voters.

Incumbent President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who ascended to power following the death of his father Idriss Deby in 2021, was seen as the front-runner. His main competition came from his prime minister and former political opponent Succes Masra, who returned from exile to participate, and former prime minister Albert Pahimi Padacke, among seven others.

The election campaign was also shadowed by the assassination of opposition politician Yaya Dillo in February, intensifying concerns over the fairness of the elections and sparking calls from some opposition groups and civil society for a boycott, raising fears of further violence.