Chad’s ruling party wins majority in parliamentary election boycotted by opposition

Chad held its first parliamentary elections in over a decade, resulting in significant victories for the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement party. Provisional results indicate that they captured 124 of the 188 available seats, with a voter turnout of 51.5%. The election took place last month, following a transitional political phase triggered by Mahamat Idriss Deby's rise to power after the 2021 death of his father, longstanding ruler Idriss Deby Itno. This election phase included not only parliamentary voting but also regional and municipal elections, marking a pivotal step in the country’s quest for democracy. The political environment leading up to the election was marked by turmoil. The ruling party's majority was achieved in an electoral process that was boycotted by over ten opposition parties, most notably the Transformers party, whose candidate Succes Masra previously finished second in the presidential election. The opposition parties labeled the election as a 'charade,' expressing their concerns over the integrity of the process, echoing criticisms made during last year’s disputed presidential polls. Election observers had previously deemed the presidential vote as lacking credibility, highlighting the ongoing skepticism regarding the ruling party's legitimacy. Mahamat Idriss Deby, who initially seized power through military means, presented the elections as a necessary step towards decentralization—a change that he claimed was eagerly awaited by the Chadian populace. However, the lack of credible participation from the opposition raised further questions about the democratic process in Chad. The opposition's absence from the electoral process has been viewed as a significant hindrance to true democratic representation, leading many analysts to view the election results with skepticism. This parliamentary election comes at a crucial time for Chad, as it grapples with pressing security threats, including violence from Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region and deteriorating military relations with France, historically one of its key allies. As Chad navigates these challenges, the implications of the parliamentary election results will likely have lasting effects on its political landscape and the public's perception of governance and representation within the country.