Chad’s Ruling Party Secures Majority in Boycotted Parliamentary Election

Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party has won 124 out of 188 parliamentary seats in an election boycotted by the main opposition parties. This election was framed by President Mahamat Idriss Deby as a step towards decentralization and democracy, following his takeover in 2021. The election’s legitimacy is questioned due to the absence of opposition participation.

In a recent parliamentary election held in Chad, provisional results indicate that the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (PSM) secured a significant victory, winning 124 of the 188 available seats. This election, the first of its kind in over a decade, saw a voter turnout of 51.5%. The main opposition parties, including the Transformers party, boycotted the election, which was framed by President Mahamat Idriss Deby as a pivotal step toward decentralization and democratization in the nation, following his rise to power as a military ruler in 2021 after the death of his father, longtime president Idriss Deby Itno.

Chad has faced considerable political challenges since the passing of President Idriss Deby Itno, who governed for thirty years. His son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, assumed leadership during a military transition period marked by security threats from groups such as Boko Haram. The recent parliamentary election was viewed as an essential milestone in Chad’s journey towards democracy; however, it was tainted by claims of a lack of credible opposition, leading to a boycott from more than ten political parties. This context underscores the ongoing complexities within Chad’s political landscape.

The results of Chad’s parliamentary election reinforce the ruling party’s dominance and further solidify President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s authority amidst international scrutiny. The lack of credible opposition and the boycotts of major political parties suggest a troubling trend for democratic processes in Chad. As the nation grapples with security concerns and the questions surrounding governance, the implications of this election will likely resonate in Chad’s political dialogue moving forward.

Original Source: www.euronews.com