Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party won 124 out of 188 seats in the parliamentary elections held last month, marking the first such elections in over a decade. The opposition parties boycotted the elections, criticizing them as a charade. The elections are viewed as a crucial step in Chad’s transition to democracy, although concerns about electoral integrity persist amid ongoing security challenges.
In the recent parliamentary elections held in Chad, the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party secured a significant victory, winning 124 out of the 188 available seats. This marks a momentous occasion as it was the first parliamentary election in over a decade, achieving a voter turnout of 51.5%, as announced by Ahmed Bartchiret, the head of the electoral commission. The elections, which also encompassed regional and municipal contests, were deemed a crucial step in the country’s transition towards democracy following the ascension of Mahamat Idriss Deby as the military ruler in 2021, following the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who had been in power for thirty years.
The ruling party’s gain is further underscored by the significant boycott from numerous opposition entities, notably including the main opposition party, the Transformers, which had previously contested the presidential elections. The opposition labeled the elections a mere “charade,” expressing concerns of potential election malpractice resembling that of the disputed presidential elections held the previous year. Despite these criticisms, the ruling party aims to implement a decentralization strategy intended to distribute power at municipal and provincial levels, something that President Deby described as long-awaited by the Chadian populace.
The political landscape in Chad remains precarious, especially given the multitude of security challenges the nation currently faces, including threats from Boko Haram militants and a notable shift in military relations with France, a former ally. The lack of a formidable opposition has solidified President Deby’s control over the nation, as no substantial resistance was posed during the electoral process, allowing for the ruling party’s dominance to remain unchallenged during this crucial time in Chad’s political evolution.
Chad has a long history of political instability and authoritarian rule, with past leaders often suppressing opposition forces. The ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party has been in power since the military takeover following the death of Idriss Deby Itno in 2021. The recent parliamentary elections, the first in over a decade, were framed as a pivotal moment in transitioning towards democracy, although the opposition’s boycott raises questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process. The country is also grappling with severe security threats, particularly from militant groups, and a complex relationship with international allies such as France.
In summary, Chad’s recent parliamentary elections saw the ruling party secure a commanding majority amid significant opposition boycotts, reflecting a precarious democratic transition. President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s administration faces scrutiny due to the absence of credible opposition and ongoing security challenges. The future of Chadian governance remains uncertain as the country seeks to navigate both internal and external pressures requiring genuine democratic reforms and dialogue.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
