Chad’s ruling party won a parliamentary majority in elections that were largely boycotted by opposition parties. The Patriotic Salvation Movement secured 124 of 188 seats, with a participation rate of 51.56 percent. The elections have raised concerns about their credibility, given the opposition’s dismissal of the vote and ongoing security challenges in the region.

Chad’s ruling party, the Patriotic Salvation Movement, has achieved a majority in the recent parliamentary elections, securing 124 out of 188 seats in the National Assembly. This election, conducted on December 29, was largely boycotted by opposition parties, leading to a participation rate of only 51.56 percent, which has raised concerns over the election’s credibility. The provisional results were announced by the head of the electoral commission, Ahmed Bartchiret, who stated that this election marks a pivotal moment in Chad’s transition to democracy following President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s consolidation of power since taking office in 2021.

The electoral process also encompassed municipal and regional elections, and it represents the first parliamentary elections in over a decade. President Deby had characterized the polls as a step towards decentralization, aiming to distribute governmental power to regional levels. However, prominent opposition groups, including over ten parties such as the Transformers, have dismissed the election as a “charade,” stressing concerns that the conditions resembled those of the disputed presidential elections held last year.

The background of this situation lies in Chad’s recent political history, characterized by significant upheaval following the death of former long-term President Idriss Deby Itno. Following his death, Mahamat Idriss Deby assumed power as a military leader in 2021, signaling a significant shift in governance. His administration has expressed intentions to steer Chad towards democratic reforms; however, recent electoral events have been marred by allegations of unfair practices and widespread opposition boycotts, casting a shadow over the legitimacy of the ruling party’s majority.

In summary, the recent parliamentary elections in Chad have solidified the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement’s majority amidst a backdrop of significant opposition boycott and criticism regarding the election’s integrity. The described participation rate and the call for decentralization present a complicated picture of Chad’s political landscape, as the government navigates security challenges and a demand for democratic accountability.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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