Chad’s Ruling Party Dominates First Senate Election, Strengthening Presidential Authority

Chad’s ruling MPS party won 45 of 46 Senate seats in a contested election, further solidifying President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s authority. Deby, who came to power in 2021, has faced previous allegations of electoral fraud and recently severed military ties with France, echoing similar trends in the region. Only one seat was won by the opposition, underscoring the challenges faced by dissenting voices.

In Chad’s inaugural Senate election, the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) party secured 45 out of the 46 contested seats, according to provisional results. This significant victory strengthens President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s control over the nation. Following the death of his father, former President Idriss Deby Itno, Mahamat Deby rose to power in 2021 and maintained a firm hold on the political landscape, previously winning a presidential election in May with 61% of the votes amidst allegations of electoral fraud.

The recent Senate results follow a prior legislative election in December, which was largely boycotted by opposition parties, resulting in a two-thirds majority for MPS in the National Assembly. Only one seat in the Senate election was won by the National Rally of Chadian Democrats (RNDT), a party led by former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke, who has raised concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the voting process, specifically in the city of Moundou.

The Senate will consist of 46 senators indirectly elected by local and provincial councillors, alongside an additional 23 senators appointed by the president, all of whom will serve six-year renewable terms. Since coming to power, President Deby has ended military cooperation with France, leading to the withdrawal of French forces, a move reflecting parallels with recent developments in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where similar actions have positioned these nations closer to Russia.

Overall, this Senate election result reinforces President Deby’s hold on political authority in Chad, continuing a trend of limiting opposition voices while shaping the country’s international alliances in light of military and security collaborations. The single opposition seat remains a noteworthy point of contention in an increasingly polarized political environment.

In summary, Chad’s ruling party, the MPS, has nearly monopolized the Senate elections, reinforcing President Mahamat Deby’s grip on power. Amid allegations of electoral misconduct and significant political changes in international military affiliations, Deby’s administration continues to navigate a complex political landscape. The outcome highlights challenges faced by opposition parties and raises questions about the future of democracy in Chad.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za