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The amendment, introduced by Deby’s Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), was approved by 236 of the 257 lawmakers. The vote was boycotted by some opposition members, with the National Rally of Chadian Democrats walking out in protest.
Chad’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment abolishing presidential term limits, a move critics decry as a maneuver to entrench the rule of President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. The controversial decision, passed on Friday, paves the way for Deby to potentially remain in power for decades.
The amendment, introduced by Deby’s Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), was approved by 236 of the 257 lawmakers. The vote was boycotted by some opposition members, with the National Rally of Chadian Democrats walking out in protest.
Opposition leader Albert Pahimi Padacke had earlier condemned the change as “unconstitutional and authoritarian,” signaling a deepening political rift.
The reform fundamentally reshapes Chad’s political landscape. It replaces the previous five-year term, renewable once, with a seven-year mandate with no limit on re-election.
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The new rules take effect at the next presidential election, but opponents argue it effectively grants Deby two additional years in power immediately. Changes also extend parliamentary terms and reinstate immunity for government officials.
