Chad's May 6 ballot is no longer a "foregone conclusion" says political scientist Kelma Manatouma two days before Chadians head to the polls after three years of transition. General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, proclaimed head of state by Chad's army three years ago, is the favourite to win Monday's presidential election after the junta violently repressed much of the opposition. But in an unprecedented scenario for Chad, Succes Masra, once a fierce opponent of the Deby dynasty who then allied with them and was recently appointed prime minister, is clouding the outlook by attracting large crowds. The eight other candidates, who are either not very hostile to the regime or are little known, are not expected to pick up much of the vote. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES