For the first time since multiparty politics came to Chad the main opposition has declined to put forth a contender in a presidential election, this time around unanimous in calling for citizens to shun the process. Incumbent President Idriss Deby risks becoming the only serious candidate. As the deadline for candidates passed at midnight on Friday only the Agriculture Minister and three representatives of political parties more or less aligned with the ruling party had submitted their names – along with President Idriss Deby - for the 3 May poll.