Chad’s ruling party won the majority in the parliamentary elections amid a boycott from key opposition groups. The Patriotic Salvation Movement secured 124 out of 188 seats with a turnout of 51.5%. Critics labelled the elections a ‘charade’ due to past credibility issues, raising concerns over Chad’s political stability.
In the recent parliamentary elections held in Chad, the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party secured a notable majority, winning 124 of the 188 parliamentary seats. This election marked Chad’s first parliamentary elections in over a decade and took place amid significant boycotts from more than ten opposition parties, which included the main Transformers party. The electoral commission reported a voter turnout of 51.5%, with opposition leaders criticizing the election as lacking credibility and reiterating concerns about previous electoral outcomes.
The context of this parliamentary election is underscored by the political transition in Chad, following the military ascendance of Mahamat Idriss Deby in 2021 after the death of his father, long-time leader Idriss Deby Itno. This recent election is positioned as a crucial component in Chad’s journey toward democracy, and the ruling party’s triumph is perceived to further solidify President Deby’s authority. The elections encompass regional and municipal votes, aiming to decentralize power to local governments, although the validity of this initiative is contested by the main opposition.
In conclusion, the electoral results in Chad underscore the ruling party’s dominance, further entrenching President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s power amid substantial opposition boycotts and concerns regarding the election’s credibility. As the nation confronts various security challenges and navigates its political future, the perceived legitimacy of these elections remains a topic of contention. The absence of strong opposition raises critical questions about the path forward for Chad’s democratic aspirations.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
