Chad’s ruling PSM party secured 124 out of 188 seats in December’s parliamentary elections, despite a boycott from major opposition parties. The election follows a decade-long hiatus and is part of the country’s transition to democracy under President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s leadership, amidst ongoing security concerns and skepticism about election integrity from opposition factions.
In December’s parliamentary election, Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (PSM) has achieved a decisive majority, winning 124 out of 188 seats, as revealed by provisional results from the electoral commission. This election marks the first parliamentary vote in over a decade and further strengthens the position of President Mahamat Idriss Déby, despite significant opposition boycott led by over ten political parties, including the prominent Transformers party, which criticized the election as a mere façade. With a voter turnout of 51.5 percent, these results are pivotal in advancing Déby’s agenda for decentralization and political stability in Chad.
Chad’s political landscape has undergone tumultuous changes, particularly following the death of long-serving president Idriss Déby Itno in 2021. His son, Mahamat Idriss Déby, emerged as the military ruler, navigating a transitional period towards democracy marked by a disputed presidential election. This latest parliamentary election is instrumental in establishing a more decentralized governance structure, as the ruling party seeks to enhance its grip on power amidst pressing security challenges from extremist factions and a complex relationship with France.
The victory of the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement in Chad’s parliamentary elections, occurring amid a notable boycott by the opposition, not only consolidates President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s authority but also signifies a pivotal moment in Chad’s transition towards democracy. This election’s legitimacy remains under scrutiny, especially from opposition voices that have decried the process as non-credible.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
