Chad’s Council confirmed Mahamat Déby as winner of the election

Chad’s Constitutional Council has confirmed the results of the presidential election, declaring interim military leader Mahamat Déby the winner.

It also rejected challenges by two losing candidates in the 6 May elections.

The country’s electoral body declared Gen Déby winner of the election with 61% of the vote, with his closest rival, Prime Minister Succes Masra, polling at 19%.

Mr Masra had disputed the result, claiming his victory had been “stolen from the people”. Some opposition candidates had also alleged irregularities on polling day.

Chad becomes the first of the countries where the military seized power in West and Central Africa in recent years to hold elections and restore civilian rule.