(Ecofin Agency) - Chadian Constitutional Council just approved 14 out of the 23 candidacies submitted for presidential elections which are to be held next April 10. These include that of actual President, Idriss Deby Itno, and opposition leader, Saleh Kebzaboh.

In power for 26 years, Idriss Deby Itno is now aiming for a fifth term. Certified pilot, the Head of State who came into office after overthrowing his former comrade in arms Hissène Habré changed the constitution to get new mandates.

This is the third time that Saleh Kebzaboh, Formerly a Minister under Deby and President of the National Association for Development and Renewing (UNDR), takes part in the elections. The other times were in 1996 and 2001. He boycotted the elections in 2006 and 2011.

Many big names of Chad’s political system have also been allowed to take part in the elections. Among these are Prime Ministers Joseph Djimrangar Dadnadji and Nouredine Delwa Kassiré Koumakoye, as well as renowned Mayor of Moundou, Chad’s economic capital, Laoukein Kourayo Médard.

The constitutional council however rejected appeal filed by opponent Yorongar Ngarlejy whose candidacy was rejected last week, “for lack of picture and emblem”.