2002 Chadian parliamentary election explained

Country:Chad
Previous Election:1997
Next Election:2011
Election Date:21 April 2002
Seats For Election:155 seats in the National Assembly
Turnout:52.40%
Nopercentage:yes
Party1:Patriotic Salvation Movement
Seats1:113
Last Election1:65
Party2:Rally for Democracy and Progress (Chad)
Leader2:Lol Mahamat Choua
Seats2:10
Last Election2:3
Party3:Federation, Action for the Republic
Seats3:10
Last Election3:1
Party4:National Rally for Development and Progress
Seats4:5
Last Election4:0
Party5:National Union for Democracy and Renewal
Seats5:5
Last Election5:15
Party6:Union for Renewal and Democracy
Seats6:3
Last Election6:29
Party7:Chadian Action for Unity and Socialism
Seats7:1
Last Election7:2
Party8:Action for Renewal of Chad
Seats8:1
Last Election8:0
Party9:People's Movement for Democracy in Chad
Seats9:1
Last Election9:New
Party10:National Democratic and Federal Convention
Seats10:1
Last Election10:New
Party11:National Democratic and Social Convention
Seats11:1
Last Election11:1
Party12:Rally for the Republic – Lingui
Seats12:1
Last Election12:0
Party13:National Rally of Chadian Democrats
Seats13:1
Last Election13:New
Party14:National Union (Chad)
Seats14:1
Last Election14:0
Party15:Rally of Democratic Forces in Chad
Seats15:1
Last Election15:0

Parliamentary elections were held in Chad on 21 April 2002.[1] The result was a victory for the ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), which won 113 of the 155 seats in the National Assembly.

Background

The elections had been due in April or May 2001, but were postponed by a year to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission to organise the elections properly.[1]

Campaign

Prior to the elections the MPS formed an electoral alliance with the opposition Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), weakening the opposition already divided by a boycott by the Party for Liberty and Development (PLD) and the Union for Democracy and Republic (UDR). The PLD and the UDR claimed that the authorities did not provide sufficient guarantees that the elections would be free and fair. However, almost 40 parties did contest the elections, putting forward a total of 427 candidates.[1]

The MPS ran unopposed in 45 constituencies, whilst parties allied with the MPS were unopposed in a further 20 seats.[1]

Results

Voter turnout was moderately high, except in the capital N'Djamena where only 22% of the registered voters cast a vote.[1]

Aftermath

Following the election, the National Assembly held its first session on 10 June, electing Nassour Guelendouksia Ouaido of the MPS as President of the National Assembly.[1]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2061_02.htm Elections held in 2002