Chad’s ruling party, the Patriotic Salvation Movement, won the majority of votes in the recent parliamentary elections, claiming 124 out of 188 seats amid a 51.5% voter turnout. The election was boycotted by major opposition parties, resulting in a consolidated grip on power by President Mahamat Idriss Deby. Analysts highlight the implications of this victory within Chad’s ongoing challenges, including security issues and strained foreign relations.

Chad’s ruling party has secured a significant victory in the parliamentary elections held recently, winning 124 out of 188 available seats, according to provisional results released by the electoral commission. This election, notable for being the first parliamentary contest in over a decade, saw a voter turnout of 51.5%. The primary opposition parties, including the influential Transformers party led by Succes Masra, chose to boycott the elections, leading analysts to suggest that the absence of formidable competitors has further entrenched President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s hold on power.

The parliamentary elections were portrayed as a crucial step in Chad’s transition towards democracy, occurring under the leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who ascended to power as a military ruler in 2021 following the death of his father, long-serving president Idriss Deby Itno. Deby has characterized this election as an opportunity to facilitate the long-awaited decentralization of power within the country, allowing for greater local governance. Despite these intentions, doubts remain regarding the legitimacy of the election due to the previous contested presidential vote.

The recent parliamentary elections unfolded during a period of significant crisis in Chad, as the nation grapples with persistent security threats, including assaults from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region. Furthermore, Chad’s strained relations with France, a historically vital military ally, have emerged as an influencing factor in the political landscape. The main opposition has been vocal in its criticism of the electoral process, branding the elections as a mere “charade.” No formal response has yet been issued by the opposition regarding the election results, which may indicate continued tensions in Chad’s political arena.

Chad has not held parliamentary elections in over a decade, making the recent elections highly significant in the context of the country’s political dynamics. Following the death of Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled for thirty years, his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, took control via a military takeover in 2021. This event marked a critical transition period as the nation exists in a state of both governmental change and ongoing security challenges. The ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party’s outright majority further raises questions about the future of democratic processes in Chad, especially in light of opposition parties withdrawing from the electoral process.

In conclusion, the parliamentary elections in Chad have solidified President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s authority, particularly amid the absence of significant opposition. The ruling party’s large majority illustrates the current state of political control, while the rejection of the elections by key opposition groups raises concerns about the electoral legitimacy. As Chad navigates through various crises, including security threats and international relations, the implications of these elections will be crucial in shaping its political future.

Original Source: www.euronews.com

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