Vote counting underway in Chad's presidential election

Votes are being counted in Chad after presidential election widely expected to deliver President Idriss Deby a fifth term in office. 

Mr Deby, who took power in a coup 26 years ago, is seen by Western governments as a bulwark against Islamist militants in central Africa. 

In the run-up to the election, security was stepped up, with protest marches banned and activists imprisoned.

Despite Chad's new oil wealth, half of its 13 million people live in poverty. 

The opposition boycotted the last election in 2011, allowing Mr Deby an easy victory. 

Reports say his chances of winning again this year have been strengthened by divisions in the opposition. 


SOURCE: BBC news