Chad’s ruling party, the Patriotic Salvation Movement (PSM), has claimed a decisive victory in the country’s legislative elections, securing 124 out of 188 seats in the National Assembly. The results, announced on Sunday, reinforce President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s hold on power, despite significant opposition boycotts and allegations of electoral fraud.
The December 29, 2024, elections mark a crucial step in Chad’s transition back to constitutional rule, following a three-year period of military governance. This transition began after the sudden death of President Idriss Deby Itno in 2021, when his son, Mahamat Idriss Deby, assumed control of the country. The Patriotic Salvation Movement’s strong performance in these elections, which also included regional and municipal votes, signifies a consolidation of the Deby family’s political influence.
With voter turnout at 51.56%, the elections were overshadowed by accusations from opposition groups, including Succes Masra’s Transformateurs party, who claimed the vote was manipulated and lacked transparency. Despite these allegations, the government has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the elections were free and fair.
The December vote marked Chad’s first national elections in over a decade. Following the defeat of rebels and the death of his father on the battlefield, Mahamat Deby declared himself interim president in 2021, navigating the country through a period of instability. His controversial election victory in May 2024 further solidified his political standing.
Since taking office, President Deby has moved Chad away from its historical ties with France, severing a key defense cooperation agreement and signaling a shift in the country’s foreign policy. This break mirrors actions by other Sahel countries, such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have sought closer relations with Russia following military coups in the region. Chad’s move is seen as part of a broader regional reorientation in response to growing anti-French sentiment.
The political climate remains volatile, as demonstrated by a recent foiled attack on the presidency, which the government described as a “destabilization attempt.” As security forces work to ensure stability, international observers continue to monitor Chad’s ongoing transition to a more democratic governance system.
The results of this election, along with the recent political developments, highlight the complex and evolving political landscape in Chad, a key player in the fight against insurgents in the Sahel region.