Chad’s ruling party secured 124 of 188 seats in a parliamentary election largely boycotted by opposition parties, with a reported participation rate of 51.56%. The elections were framed as a step towards democracy following President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s rise to power. However, many opposition leaders condemned the vote as a “charade,” emphasizing concerns about its legitimacy amidst various security challenges.
Chad’s ruling party, led by President Mahamat Idriss Deby, has claimed a significant victory in last month’s parliamentary election, securing 124 seats out of 188 in the National Assembly. The electoral commission reported a participation rate of 51.56 percent, amidst widespread opposition boycotts. The election, deemed a critical step in the country’s transition towards democracy following Mahamat Deby’s rise to power in 2021, faced serious opposition accusations of illegitimacy and discontent regarding the electoral process, especially since it mirrored last year’s disputed presidential election. Opposition parties, including the prominent Transformers party, labeled the election a “charade,” expressing concerns over the credibility of the results, which coincided with severe security challenges facing the nation.
Chad has not conducted a parliamentary election in over a decade, with the last vote taking place amidst a backdrop of significant political turbulence following the death of long-serving President Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled for 30 years. Mahamat Idriss Deby assumed control after his father’s passing in 2021, justifying authoritarian measures as necessary for stability. His party positioned the recent elections as a move towards decentralization and democracy, a narrative countered by opposition leaders who question the integrity and freedom of the voting process, referencing concerns over security threats and the implications of severing ties with former colonial power France.
The recent parliamentary elections in Chad have instigated significant controversy, characterized by opposition boycotts and allegations of illegitimacy. The Patriotic Salvation Movement, led by President Mahamat Idriss Deby, asserts that the elections mark a progressive step towards democratic governance. However, the participation rate and the dismissive feedback from opposition parties raise critical questions about the validity of the electoral outcome and the challenges Chad faces politically and security-wise, leading into an uncertain future for the nation.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
