Chad's Patriotic Salvation Movement Wins 124 Seats in National Assembly Amid Opposition Boycott

Jan 12, 2025, 11:47 AM

Chad's ruling party, the Patriotic Salvation Movement, secured a significant victory in the country's legislative elections held on December 29, winning 124 out of 188 seats in the National Assembly, according to provisional results announced on January 12. The election, which also included municipal and regional votes, marked the first parliamentary election in Chad in over a decade and was boycotted by more than 10 opposition parties, including the main Transformers party. The boycott was in response to concerns over the credibility of the electoral process, with the opposition labeling the election a 'charade'. President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who came to power as a military ruler in 2021 following the death of his father, long-time President Idriss Deby Itno, has seen his grip on power reinforced through this election. The voter turnout was reported at 51.56%, reflecting a moderate mobilization of the electorate amidst the boycott and the timing of the election during the holiday season.