Chad’s Ruling Party Achieves Parliamentary Majority Amid Opposition Boycott

Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement won 124 of 188 seats in the recent parliamentary elections, which were boycotted by major opposition parties. These elections, the first in over a decade, were marred by allegations of unfair practices, raising concerns about their credibility amid the country’s ongoing political transition following Mahamat Idriss Deby’s rise to power.

In Chad’s recent parliamentary election, the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party secured a majority, winning 124 out of the 188 available seats. These elections were notable as they marked the first parliamentary contest in over a decade, although they were boycotted by key opposition parties, including the main opposition group, the Transformers party. Despite a voter turnout of 51.5%, critics labeled the election a “charade,” questioning its fairness and credibility due to the lack of dissenting voices in the political arena. This election forms part of the transitional period initiated after Mahamat Idriss Deby assumed power following his father’s death in 2021, a transition that was intended to lead toward a more decentralized governance structure addressing local power distribution.

The recent parliamentary election in Chad was a crucial event in the country’s journey toward establishing a democratic government. Following decades of authoritarian rule under the late Idriss Deby Itno, who led for thirty years, his son Mahamat Idriss Deby took command in 2021 after his father’s death. The elections included efforts for decentralization and aimed to respond to the Chadian populace’s longing for a government closer to them, despite significant political opposition claiming the process was tainted.

The results of the parliamentary election in Chad indicate a consolidation of power by the ruling party amid claims of unfair practices following the opposition’s boycott. With the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement winning a majority, analysts await the implications of this victory on Chad’s political environment and its ongoing struggle with security issues, highlighting the need for credible governance and democratic integrity.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com