Chad’s Ruling Party Dominates Parliamentary Election Amid Opposition Boycott
Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party won 124 of 188 parliamentary seats in an election boycotted by major opposition parties, which claimed the election was a ‘charade.’ Voter turnout was 51.5%. Analysts view this result as consolidating President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s political power amidst ongoing challenges in the country.
In a parliamentary election conducted last month, Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party secured a commanding majority, winning 124 of the 188 seats available. This election was marked by a significant boycott from all major opposition parties, reducing voter turnout to 51.5%, as reported by Ahmed Bartchiret, head of the electoral commission. This election, notable for being Chad’s first in over ten years, was viewed by analysts as a means of solidifying the political authority of President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who took power following the death of his father, longtime leader Idriss Deby Itno, in 2021. Deby, who previously faced criticism for a disputed presidential vote, described the election as a stepping stone toward increased decentralization of power, which he stated was a long-awaited desire of the Chadian populace.
Chad’s political landscape has been historically dominated by a lack of credible democratic processes, especially following the era of Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled for thirty years. Following his death, Mahamat Idriss Deby assumed control as a military leader, indicating intentions to transition towards democracy. However, the recent parliamentary elections have sparked concerns regarding their legitimacy, particularly as over ten opposition parties, including the prominent Transformers party, labeled the election a ‘charade,’ fearing similar issues to those observed in the recent presidential vote.
The recent parliamentary elections in Chad illustrate a significant political moment amid ongoing challenges to democracy. The ruling party’s substantial victory amidst widespread opposition boycott raises questions regarding the legitimacy and inclusiveness of the electoral process. As Chad faces various security concerns and struggles to redefine its governance structure, these developments emphasize the critical need for credible democratic reforms.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
