Chad’s Patriotic Salvation Movement Dominates Senate Elections

Chad’s Patriotic Salvation Movement has won 43 out of 46 seats in the country’s first senate elections, marking a significant political transition under Mahamat Idriss Deby. Despite opposition boycotts and criticism of election credibility, the MPS solidified its power, also dominating the recent legislative elections. Ongoing security concerns add complexity to the political environment in Chad.

The Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by Chad’s military ruler Mahamat Idriss Deby, has achieved a significant victory by securing 43 out of 46 seats in the nation’s inaugural senate elections. Final results released on Tuesday confirm this outcome, following the election held at the end of February, which represents a critical phase in the political transition initiated after Deby’s assumption of power upon his father’s death four years prior.

Mahamat Idriss Deby was granted a five-year presidential term in May 2023 during an election that was largely rejected by opposition parties, who criticized the process as “neither free nor credible.” The Constitutional Council of Chad later adjusted the final count, reallocating two seats initially assigned to the MPS to allied groups after several appeals were made. Following this announcement, Deby appointed 23 additional senators to finalize the senate chamber, intended to reflect the country’s various autonomous communities.

The establishment of the senate is a key aspect of Chad’s bicameral parliament, which was created through a reform in 2020 and solidified by a new constitution ratified in a December 2023 referendum. Additionally, during December’s legislative elections, the MPS also secured a prominent majority, claiming 124 of the 188 seats in the lower house. Notably, both elections faced substantial opposition boycotts, with critics dismissing the outcomes as “pre-fabricated results.”

These elections were conducted amidst escalating security challenges, including violent threats from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region and the unfavorable termination of military cooperation with France, Chad’s former colonial power. Such issues underline the underlying tensions affecting the political landscape in Chad as Deby continues to strengthen his hold on power.

In summary, the Patriotic Salvation Movement has established a commanding presence in Chad’s new senate through overwhelming electoral success, securing a substantial majority. Mahamat Idriss Deby’s leadership remains controversial, characterized by opposition boycotts and criticisms regarding the legitimacy of electoral processes. The climate of insecurity further complicates Chad’s political dynamics, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for the nation.

Original Source: newscentral.africa