Chad’s MPS Secures Dominant Senate Majority Amid Electoral Controversies

Chad’s Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) won 43 out of 46 seats in the first-ever senate elections, confirming Deby’s consolidation of power. Despite international criticisms of the electoral process as “neither free nor credible,” the MPS continued its dominance with a majority in the lower house. Elections were overshadowed by rising security challenges from Boko Haram and strained military relations with France.

The Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by Chad’s military leader Mahamat Idriss Deby, achieved a significant victory in the country’s inaugural senate elections, winning 43 out of 46 seats, as announced by Chad’s Constitutional Council. This election, held in late February, concludes a political transition initiated after Deby assumed power following the death of his father four years ago.

Deby solidified his power by securing a five-year presidential term in May during an election that the opposition largely boycotted, which led international NGOs to criticize the vote as “neither free nor credible.” Following the announcement of the senate results, two initially allocated MPS seats were reassigned to allied parties due to appeals. Deby subsequently appointed the 23 remaining senators to complete the chamber intended to represent Chad’s autonomous communities.

The newly created senate is a component of Chad’s bicameral parliament, established through reforms in 2020 and confirmed under a new constitution ratified via referendum in December 2023. Additionally, the MPS maintained a dominant position in the legislative landscape by winning 124 out of 188 seats in the lower house during the December elections, which were also met with significant opposition boycott, being labeled as “pre-fabricated results.”

The elections unfolded amidst escalating security challenges, including threats from the Boko Haram insurgent group in the Lake Chad area and the recent annulment of a military cooperation agreement with France, the former colonial power. These events reflect a concerning backdrop as Chad navigates its political future under Deby’s leadership.

In conclusion, the Patriotic Salvation Movement’s overwhelming success in the senate elections exemplifies Mahamat Idriss Deby’s firm grip on power within Chad. The elections, marred by opposition boycotts and criticisms regarding their credibility, further indicate challenges in the country’s political landscape amid growing security concerns. Deby’s consolidation of authority raises significant questions about the future of governance and democratic integrity in Chad.

Original Source: newscentral.africa