Chad scraps presidential term limits, cementing Deby's rule

Chad's Parliament Approves Amendment on Presidential Term Limits

Chad's parliament has approved a constitutional amendment abolishing presidential term limits, allowing President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to potentially extend his tenure. The amendment, proposed by Deby's Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), was endorsed by 236 out of 257 lawmakers. A section of the opposition, including the National Rally of Chadian Democrats, boycotted the vote in protest.

The constitutional reform modifies the political framework by replacing the previous five-year presidential term, renewable once, with a seven-year term with no limitation on re-election. These changes will be implemented in the next presidential election, although critics argue this grants President Deby two additional years in power immediately. The amendment also extends parliamentary terms and reintroduces immunity for government officials.

This development consolidates power for President Deby, who assumed the role of transitional leader in 2021 and won a contested election in May 2024. The Transformers, the primary opposition party, has previously dismissed recent electoral processes as unsuccessful. Its leader, Succes Masra, a vocal critic, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in August, a decision his legal team claims is a manipulation of the judicial system.

Based on reporting by Africanews.