Chad’s Ruling Party Dominates Senate Elections, Strengthening Deby’s Control

Chad’s ruling MPS won 45 of 46 Senate seats in elections contested by opposition parties. This victory fortifies President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s political grip following past allegations of electoral fraud. One seat went to opposition leader Albert Pahimi Padacke, who raised concerns over ballot irregularities. The new Senate will comprise elected and appointed members, with significant implications for Chad’s governance and international relationships.

In the first Senate election post-2021, Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) secured 45 out of 46 available seats, reinforcing the power of President Mahamat Idriss Deby. The election results, which are currently provisional and contested by opposition parties, indicate an overwhelming victory, despite challenges surrounding the process raised by some opposition leaders.

President Deby, who inherited power from his late father Idriss Deby Itno, previously captured 61% of votes in a controversial presidential election amidst claims of fraud. Following another controversial legislative election, MPS obtained a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, indicating a consolidated political advantage.

Only one Senate seat was won by the opposition National Rally of Chadian Democrats (RNDT), led by former Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke, who now stands as the solitary opposition senator. Padacke raised concerns regarding ballot irregularities, particularly in Moundou, Chad’s second-largest city, highlighting the contested nature of these election results.

The Senate will consist of 46 indirectly elected senators, with additional 23 appointed by the president, all serving renewable six-year terms. Since Deby’s ascension, Chad has altered its military partnerships, notably ending defense cooperation with France and signaling a potential withdrawal from multinational security efforts in the Sahel, aligning itself similarly to nations like Mali and Niger.

Chad’s evolving political landscape, marked by significant electoral victories for the ruling party, raises questions regarding its democratic processes and international alliances, especially in the context of security dynamics in the Sahel region and its relations with former colonial powers.

The election outcomes underscore Deby’s firm hold on governance, propelling him toward further consolidating power against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tension and internal opposition challenges.

Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement achieved a significant victory in the Senate elections, securing 45 of 46 seats, thereby strengthening President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s dominance. Despite the consolidation of power and ongoing challenges from opposition parties regarding election legitimacy, these results reflect a crucial shift in Chad’s political landscape. The implications for Chad’s foreign relations, especially concerning security partnerships, remain essential to monitor as the country navigates its internal and external challenges.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za