Chad Approves Constitutional Amendments Expanding Presidential Powers and Extending Term Length
September 16, 202540 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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In a move that sparked widespread political controversy, the National Assembly in Chad approved new constitutional amendments on Monday that allow President Mahamat Idriss Déby to remain in power for unlimited terms, extending the presidential term from five to seven years.
These amendments came after a series of political transformations in the country, starting with Déby taking power in 2021 following his father, the late President Idriss Déby, who was killed while inspecting army troops in the north of the country.
These amendments came after a series of political transformations in the country, starting with Déby taking power in 2021 following his father, the late President Idriss Déby, who was killed while inspecting army troops in the north of the country.
After three years of military rule, presidential elections were held in May 2024, followed by parliamentary elections in December, in which the ruling party secured the majority of seats.
The President of the National Assembly, Ali Kolotou Chaimi, announced that the amendments were approved by a sweeping majority of 171 votes in favor, with only one member abstaining and no official objections. The project is set to be presented to the Senate on October 13 for the final vote, before being signed by the president to become law.
The amendments also include institutional reforms such as unifying the terms of elected bodies and creating the position of Deputy Prime Minister, amid criticism from the opposition that sees this step as entrenching power concentration and weakening political pluralism.
The President of the National Assembly, Ali Kolotou Chaimi, announced that the amendments were approved by a sweeping majority of 171 votes in favor, with only one member abstaining and no official objections. The project is set to be presented to the Senate on October 13 for the final vote, before being signed by the president to become law.
The amendments also include institutional reforms such as unifying the terms of elected bodies and creating the position of Deputy Prime Minister, amid criticism from the opposition that sees this step as entrenching power concentration and weakening political pluralism.
