Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party has won a majority in the parliamentary elections, securing 124 of 188 seats with a voter turnout of 51.5%. The elections were boycotted by major opposition parties, raising questions about their credibility. This election is viewed as a crucial step in the country’s transition to democracy following President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s military takeover.
In a significant political development, Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party has secured a majority in the recent parliamentary elections, with provisional results indicating they won 124 out of 188 seats. Observers noted a voter turnout rate of 51.5%, a figure announced by Ahmed Bartchiret, the head of the electoral commission. This electoral process, which also included regional and municipal elections, marks the first parliamentary election in Chad in over a decade and is considered a pivotal step in the nation’s transition to democracy under President Mahamat Idriss Deby, following his military takeover in 2021. The election took place amidst a boycott from over ten opposition parties, including the leading Transformers party, which denounced the election as a “charade.”
The parliamentary elections in Chad were conducted following a tumultuous political landscape, emerging from the military leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Deby after the death of his father, long-serving leader Idriss Deby Itno. Mahamat Deby, who assumed control in 2021, has faced significant challenges, including allegations of electoral misconduct in the previous presidential vote. The ruling party’s dominance in this election, coupled with the absence of strong opposition, signifies a continuation of Deby’s political power, with hopes pinned on an era of decentralization that would enhance governance at local levels.
The recent parliamentary elections in Chad have reaffirmed the ruling party’s stronghold on power, amidst an environment of boycott and criticism from opposition factions. With the majority secured by the Patriotic Salvation Movement party, President Mahamat Idriss Deby appears poised to reinforce his governance and address the significant challenges facing the nation. However, the lack of credible opposition raises concerns about the democratic processes in Chad, necessitating scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
