Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) secured 124 of 188 parliamentary seats in last month’s election, dominating the country’s first parliamentary vote in over a decade. Boycotted by over 10 opposition parties, including the main opposition party, Transformers, the election saw a voter turnout of 51.5%. President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who took power in 2021 after his father’s death, positioned the election as a step toward decentralization and democracy. Critics, however, worried that it would be a repeat of last year’s disputed presidential election, calling the process a “charade.” The results consolidate Deby’s political power amidst ongoing security challenges, including Boko Haram’s attacks and strained relations with France. Provisional results were announced by the electoral commission’s head, Ahmed Bartchiret, with opposition parties yet to comment.
Source: AP