Chad’s MPS Secures Majority Amid Opposition Boycott in Recent Elections

Chad’s ruling party, the MPS, won a parliamentary majority amidst a boycott by opposition parties, claiming the elections as a step towards democracy. President Deby, in power since 2021, faces scrutiny as allegations of electoral unfairness persist. The government’s shift away from French military ties continues to define the current political landscape.

The recent parliamentary elections in Chad have culminated in the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) securing a majority of seats, specifically 124 out of 188 in the National Assembly. This electoral outcome, announced by the National Elections Management Agency (ANGE) with a participation rate of 51.56%, follows a boycott by opposition parties, who criticized the electoral process as lacking transparency and fairness. Despite these allegations, President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s administration has heralded this election as a milestone in their ongoing transition toward democratic governance.

Chad has a tumultuous political history marked by coups, rebellion, and transitions of power. President Mahamat Idriss Deby ascended to power in 2021 after the death of his father, who had ruled the nation for thirty years. Since then, his government has made significant changes including the termination of military agreements with France, symbolizing a pivot away from former colonial influence. The backdrop of this electoral process includes rising tensions over governance and security in the region, with emerging influences from countries like Russia.

In conclusion, while the MPS claims a definitive victory reflecting a broad political mandate, the absence of opposition participation raises serious questions regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process. The continued presence of dissatisfaction among political factions and the evolving security landscape in Chad suggest that significant challenges remain for President Deby as he claims to lead a transition towards democracy amid accusations of undemocratic practices.

Original Source: www.dw.com