Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) won 45 out of 46 seats in the first Senate election, reinforcing President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s power. The opposition, led by Albert Pahimi Padacke, contested the results citing irregularities. The election reflects a broader trend of political consolidation under Deby, who has distanced Chad from France and aligned more closely with Russia amid regional instability.
Chad’s ruling party, the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), has secured 45 out of 46 seats in the first Senate election held on Tuesday. These provisional results have been partially contested by the main opposition party, bolstering President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s control. President Deby, who assumed power in 2021 after his father’s death, previously won a presidential election in May, gaining 61% of the votes amidst allegations of electoral fraud by opponents.
The MPS also achieved a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly during a legislative election in December, which many opposition parties chose to boycott. According to the national electoral authority, the only other seat in the recent Senate election was won by the National Rally of Chadian Democrats (RNDT) party, led by former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke. Padacke is expected to remain the sole opposition senator.
Padacke raised concerns on Tuesday regarding irregular ballots that were allegedly included in the election results from the city of Moundou. This Senate comprises 46 indirectly elected senators chosen by municipal and provincial councilors, while the President will appoint an additional 23 senators to serve six-year renewable terms.
Since President Deby’s election, Chad, a critical ally to Western nations in combating Islamic extremism in the Sahel, has ended its defense cooperation agreement with France, resulting in the withdrawal of French troops. This action mirrors similar moves by other nations in the region, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have also opted for closer relations with Russia following a succession of coups.
In summary, Chad’s ruling party has dominated its first Senate election, reinforcing President Deby’s authority amid ongoing political friction with the opposition. The results reflect a continued trend of consolidating power within Deby’s administration, which has polarized Chad’s political landscape. Furthermore, the shift in military alliances raises significant implications for regional security dynamics.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
