Chad’s Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) won 43 of 46 senatorial seats in its first elections. Under Mahamat Idriss Deby, this victory follows a consolidation of power after his father’s death and a disputed presidential election. Recent legislative elections also saw the MPS dominate, despite boycotts from opposition groups. The elections occurred amid security concerns and the end of military cooperation with France.
The Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by Chad’s military leader Mahamat Idriss Deby, has achieved a significant victory by securing 43 out of 46 seats in Chad’s inaugural senatorial elections, as reported by the final results released on Tuesday. This election, held at the end of February, concludes a political transition initiated after Deby ascended to power following his father’s death four years ago.
Deby, who won a five-year presidential term in an election last May that was largely boycotted by opposition parties, has been reinforcing his authority over the nation. International NGOs have condemned the presidential election as “neither free nor credible.” The Constitutional Council of Chad subsequently verified that two seats designated for the MPS were transferred to allied parties following legal appeals.
Following the announcement of the senatorial results, President Deby took the step of appointing the remaining 23 senators necessary to finalize the chamber, which will represent Chad’s autonomous communities. The establishment of this senate is a pivotal element of Chad’s bicameral parliament, born from reforms implemented in 2020 and validated by a new constitution during a referendum held in December 2023.
In the preceding December legislative elections, the MPS demonstrated a commanding presence, securing 124 out of 188 seats in the lower house. Both recent elections faced widespread opposition boycotts, with dissenting groups criticizing the proceedings as yielding “pre-fabricated results.” The electoral process has unfolded amid heightened security concerns, compounded by threats from the jihadist group Boko Haram in the Lake Chad area, alongside the recent dissolution of a military cooperation agreement with France.
In summary, the MPS’s overwhelming success in both the senate and legislative elections underscores Mahamat Idriss Deby’s firm grip on power in Chad. Amidst criticisms of electoral legitimacy and growing security threats, the recent political developments signal a critical phase in Chad’s governance structure, as Deby continues to consolidate authority in a climate marked by opposition boycott and unrest.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
