Chad’s Ruling Party Secures Majority in Parliamentary Election

Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement has won the majority in the parliamentary election, securing 124 out of 188 seats amid a voter turnout of 51.5%. This election, the first in over a decade, was boycotted by multiple opposition parties. It represents the final phase of Chad’s transition to democracy following Mahamat Idriss Deby’s ascent to power in 2021 after the death of his father, former President Idriss Deby Itno.

Chad’s recent parliamentary election has culminated in a decisive victory for the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party, as provisional results indicate they secured 124 out of 188 seats. This election was significant as it represented Chad’s inaugural parliamentary contest in over a decade and marked a pivotal milestone in the nation’s transition toward democracy, initiated after Mahamat Idriss Deby assumed military leadership in 2021. Moreover, despite a voter turnout of 51.5%, the election was notably boycotted by over ten opposition parties, including the prominent Transformers party, which previously contested and lost in the presidential election.

The parliamentary elections in Chad follow a tumultuous political period marked by the death of former President Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled for thirty years. Mahamat Idriss Deby, his son, became the military ruler after his father’s death, and last year’s presidential election was characterized by disputes regarding its legitimacy. Hence, this parliamentary election is viewed as a crucial step in Chad’s journey to foster a democratic governance structure and decentralize power to provincial and municipal levels, which has been a long-standing aspiration of the Chadian populace.

Ultimately, the election results signify a strengthening of the ruling party’s control in Chad, amidst a backdrop of boycotted opposition and ongoing security challenges. As the country embarks on a transition to democracy, the implications of centralizing or decentralizing power will be closely monitored. The ruling party’s assertive victory further complicates the political landscape, particularly against the backdrop of existing tensions with opposition factions and external security threats. The upcoming period will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping Chad’s future political stability.

Original Source: www.trtworld.com