Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), under the leadership of President Mahamat Idriss Deby, has secured a commanding victory in the country’s legislative elections, winning 124 of the 188 seats in the National Assembly. This represents a solid 65.96% of the available seats, signaling the continued dominance of the MPS in Chad’s political landscape. The provisional results, released by the National Election Management Agency (ANGE), reflect the MPS’s overwhelming influence and control over the nation’s legislative process.
The elections, held on December 29, 2024, were part of a broader electoral cycle that included regional and local office contests. Despite challenges, including security concerns, approximately 8 million Chadians cast their votes, with a turnout of 51.56%. The election results show a substantial lead for the MPS, followed by the National Rally of Chadian Democrats (RNDT), which earned 12 seats. Other political forces, such as the Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) and the National Union for Democracy and Renewal (UNDR), won a smaller share of seats, securing 8 and 7 seats respectively.
While the election results suggest strong support for President Deby’s regime, the political climate in Chad remains turbulent. This is evidenced by the violent attack on the presidential palace on Thursday, in which 24 armed assailants attempted to destabilize the government. In a quick response, the Chadian military eliminated 18 of the attackers, while one palace guard lost their life. President Deby condemned the attack, describing it as an assassination attempt aimed at undermining the stability of his government.
The ongoing political instability is a significant concern for Chad, as the MPS prepares to assume its position in the newly elected National Assembly. The attack on the presidential palace underscores the challenges that President Deby’s government faces in maintaining security and stability in the country, particularly as it navigates internal political disputes and external threats.
