Chad’s MPS Achieves Dominant Senate Majority Amid Political Turmoil

Chad’s Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) has secured a dominant senate majority by winning 43 out of 46 seats in the first-ever senate elections. This election marks a key step in a political transition that began with Mahamat Idriss Deby’s rise to power. Despite opposition boycotts and international criticism of past elections, Deby continues to assert his control over the political landscape, even amid escalating security threats.

The Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by Chad’s military ruler Mahamat Idriss Deby, achieved a remarkable victory in the nation’s inaugural senate elections, securing 43 out of 46 available seats. The senatorial elections, concluded in late February, represent a critical stage in a political transition initiated when Deby ascended to power following the death of his father four years ago.

Following his controversial victory in a presidential election last May—which was boycotted by opposition parties—Deby has been strengthening his political dominance. International non-governmental organizations have criticized this presidential election, deeming it “neither free nor credible.”

Chad’s Constitutional Council confirmed that two seats initially allocated to the MPS were redirected to allied parties following successful appeals. Subsequent to the electoral outcomes, Deby appointed an additional 23 senators, completing the legislative chamber which aims to represent the nation’s autonomous communities.

The newly formed senate is a component of Chad’s bicameral parliamentary system, which was established via reform in 2020 and subsequently approved through a referendum in December 2023. In the same legislative elections, the MPS achieved a significant majority by winning 124 out of 188 seats in the lower house, amidst widespread opposition boycotts that characterized both electoral events as yielding “pre-fabricated results.”

These elections were conducted amid escalating security challenges, including incursions by the jihadist organization Boko Haram in the Lake Chad area, and a recent notice regarding the cessation of a military cooperation agreement with France, the former colonial power.

In summary, the MPS has firmly established its control over Chad’s political landscape following the recent senate elections, marking a continuation of Mahamat Idriss Deby’s consolidation of power. These developments come against a backdrop of domestic unrest and security concerns, as noted by international observers questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process. As Chad navigates these challenges, the overall stability of its political system remains uncertain.

Original Source: newscentral.africa