Chad’s ruling party, the Patriotic Salvation Movement, has won a majority in the parliamentary elections, taking 124 out of 188 seats, amidst an opposition boycott. Analysts suggest that the absence of strong competition has strengthened President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s rule. The elections were positioned as a significant step towards decentralization and democratization in Chad.
Chad’s ruling political party, the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), has secured a substantial majority in the recent parliamentary elections, which marked the first such event in over ten years. Preliminary results indicate that the MPS won 124 out of 188 seats, with a voter turnout of 51.5%. This election occurred amid a boycott by major opposition parties, a decision that has been attributed to the lack of credible competition in the electoral landscape. Analysts assert that this outcome has further solidified President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s authority following his rise to power in 2021 after the death of his father, Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled for thirty years.
The parliamentary elections in Chad are seen as a crucial step in the country’s journey toward democratization, particularly after a prolonged hiatus in such electoral processes. The backdrop of these elections includes a military takeover that followed the passing of long-time president Idriss Deby Itno, ushering his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, into a position of power. This political evolution includes promises of decentralization and power distribution, which have become key points in the current regime’s discourse.
In summary, the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement’s overwhelming victory in Chad’s parliamentary elections, despite significant opposition boycotts, underscores the continued dominance of Mahamat Idriss Deby. The implications of these results may lead to a consolidation of power, diminishing the prospects for a competitive political environment and raising questions about the future of democracy in Chad amidst ongoing security challenges.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
