Chad’s Ruling Party Achieves Majority in Parliamentary Elections Amid Opposition Boycott

Chad’s ruling party won a majority in the parliamentary elections, securing 124 out of 188 seats with a 51.5% voter turnout. The election was boycotted by major opposition parties, including the Transformers party. Analysts suggest this result strengthens President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s control over the government, as Chad continues to navigate significant security issues.

The ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party in Chad has garnered a majority victory in the recent parliamentary elections, securing 124 out of 188 seats. This election, the first in over ten years, saw a voter turnout of 51.5%. Provisional results announced by Ahmed Bartchiret, the head of the electoral commission, suggest that the absence of strong opposition has fortified President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s authority. Promised as a move towards decentralization, this election follows Deby’s military takeover in 2021 after the death of his father, the long-serving president Idriss Deby Itno.

The parliamentary election in Chad was highly significant as it marked a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic transition, occurring after a prolonged hiatus of more than a decade. President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s rise to power was preceded by his father’s three-decade rule. The election is critical amid ongoing security threats, including militant insurgencies and strained military relations with France, historically one of Chad’s main allies. The main opposition parties boycotted the election, citing concerns regarding its validity, thus questioning the integrity of the democratic process.

In conclusion, the recent parliamentary election in Chad has resulted in a decisive victory for the ruling party, albeit amid controversy due to the absence of a competitive opposition. This development underscores President Deby’s consolidating power following a protracted transition period, raising questions about the future democratic aspirations of the Chadian people as security challenges loom in the background.

Original Source: www.euronews.com