YAOUNDE, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chad's presidential race officially started on Sunday with 10 contenders competing for the nation's highest office.

The campaign will last for over three weeks culminating in the election of the president on May 6, with a possible second round on June 22.

"In 21 days, the candidates will present to Chadians their projects. Militants and sympathisers need to be tolerant during this campaign and avoid any acts that might result in public disorder," the president of Chad's National Election Management Agency (ANGE) Ahmed Bartichet said in a televised address announcing the start of campaigns.

Prominent among the candidates are Chad's transitional President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno and his Prime Minister Succes Masra.

Early Sunday, supporters of both men started distributing campaign flyers in the capital, N'Djamena as part of the campaign.

The political and military situation in Chad has deteriorated since 2021 following the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno, the father of Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno.

Authorities have said the presidential election is a "significant step" for a return to constitutional order in the Central African country. ■