Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) won 45 of 46 Senate seats, reinforcing President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s authority. Deby, who took power in 2021, also secured a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly previously. The elections faced claims of irregularities from the opposition, particularly concerning ballots in Moundou. Additionally, Chad has ended its military ties with France, following trends seen in neighboring countries.
In the recent Senate elections in Chad, the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) secured 45 out of 46 available seats, solidifying President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s authority. Deby, who took power in 2021 following the death of his father, previously won a presidential election in May with 61% of the vote amidst allegations of fraud from opposition candidates. The dominant MPS party had also achieved a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly during a previous legislative election that was largely boycotted by opposition parties.
The electoral results, as reported by the national electoral body, indicate that the MPS party captured almost all Senate positions, with only one seat awarded to the National Rally of Chadian Democrats (RNDT), led by former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke. Padacke is likely to serve as the solitary opposition senator, and he publicly contested the election results, specifically criticizing irregularities reported in the second-largest city, Moundou. The Senate will consist of 46 indirectly elected senators and an additional 23 appointed by the President, serving renewable six-year terms.
Furthermore, since Deby’s ascent to the presidency, Chad has terminated its military cooperation with France, resulting in the withdrawal of French troops. This decision aligns with a broader trend of countries in West and Central Africa, such as Mali and Niger, which have also expelled French forces while seeking closer alignment with Russia. This shift in foreign alliances raises significant questions regarding Chad’s political stability and regional security dynamics.
In summary, Chad’s ruling party, the MPS, has achieved a commanding victory in the nation’s first Senate election, reinforcing President Deby’s control. The election results were marked by claims of irregularities by the opposition. Furthermore, the political landscape in Chad reflects a significant distancing from France in military cooperation, suggesting a potential shift in international alliances within the region.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
