Chad’s Ruling Party Achieves Dominant Senate Majority

The Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) has won 43 out of 46 seats in Chad’s first Senate elections, marking a key step in the political transition following Mahamat Idriss Deby’s ascension. The results come amid allegations of election illegitimacy and opposition boycotts, with growing security concerns from jihadist threats. The MPS also secured a majority in the December legislative elections, signifying an ongoing consolidation of power.

The Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), led by Chad’s military chief Mahamat Idriss Deby, has achieved a significant victory in the country’s inaugural Senate elections, securing 43 out of 46 seats, as reported by the final results released on Tuesday. Conducted in late February, this senatorial vote represents a critical phase of the political transition initiated when Deby ascended to power following his father’s demise four years ago.

Following his election to a five-year presidential term last May, which was boycotted by opposition forces, Deby has been solidifying his authority. The legitimacy of the presidential election has been challenged by international NGOs, labeling it as “neither free nor credible.” In the final tally by Chad’s Constitutional Council, two parliamentary seats initially assigned to the MPS were redistributed to allied parties as a result of appeals.

Deby moved quickly to appoint the remaining 23 senators required to complete the newly established chamber, which is tasked with representing the country’s autonomous communities. This new senate is a component of Chad’s bicameral parliament, created via reforms introduced in 2020 and formally enacted under a revised constitution approved in a referendum in December 2023.

In the legislative elections held in December, the MPS similarly dominated, winning 124 of the 188 seats in the lower house. Both sets of elections saw substantial boycotts from opposition groups, who have condemned the results as “pre-fabricated outcomes.” These elections occurred in a context marked by increasing security threats, notably from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region and the recent annulment of a military cooperation accord with France, the former colonial power.

Chad’s recent Senate elections have afforded the Patriotic Salvation Movement a substantial majority, reflecting the consolidation of power by Mahamat Idriss Deby. Despite considerable criticism regarding the legitimacy of both the presidential and senatorial elections, the MPS continues to strengthen its position amid growing security challenges in the region. The political landscape remains fraught with tension as opposition groups assert their concerns over the electoral process.

Original Source: newscentral.africa