The politics of Chad take place in a framework of a semi-presidential republic, whereby the President of Chad is the head of state and the prime minister is the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament.
Executive Branch
Chad's executive branch is headed by the President and dominates the Chadian political system. The constitutional basis for the government is the 1996 constitution, under which the president was limited to two terms of office until Déby had that provision repealed in 2005. The president has the power to appoint the Council of State (or cabinet), and exercises considerable influence over appointments of judges, generals, provincial officials and heads of Chad's parastatal firms.
In cases of grave and immediate threat, the president, in consultation with the National Assembly President and Council of State, may declare a state of emergency.
Legislative Branch
Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. According to the 1996 constitution, the National Assembly deputies are elected by universal suffrage for 4-year terms. The Assembly holds regular sessions twice a year, starting in March and October, and can hold special sessions as necessary and called by the prime minister.
Deputies elect a president of the National Assembly every 2 years. Assembly deputies or members of the executive branch may introduce legislation; once passed by the Assembly, the president must take action to either sign or reject the law within 15 days. The National Assembly must approve the prime minister's plan of government and may force the prime minister to resign through a majority vote of no-confidence.
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However, if the National Assembly rejects the executive branch's program twice in one year, the president may disband the Assembly and call for new legislative elections.
Judicial Branch
Despite the constitution's guarantee of judicial independence from the executive branch, the president names most key judicial officials. The Supreme Court is made up of a chief justice, named by the president, and 15 councilors chosen by the president and National Assembly; appointments are for life.
The Constitutional Council, with nine judges elected to 9-year terms, has the power to review all legislation, treaties and international agreements prior to their adoption.
Political Landscape
Chad is a one-party dominant state, with the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) holding power. While opposition parties are allowed, they are widely considered to have little chance of gaining power.
Following the military overthrow of Hissène Habré in December 1990, Idriss Déby won the presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. Chad's official languages are Arabic and French with most education and state documents being in French.
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After President Déby was killed by FACT rebels in April 2021, the Transitional Military Council led by his son Mahamat Déby assumed control of the government and dissolved the Assembly.
Recent Events
In May 2013, security forces in Chad foiled a coup against the President Idriss Deby that had been in preparation for several months. In April 2021, President Déby was injured by the rebel group Front Pour l'Alternance et La Concorde au Tchad (FACT). He succumbed to his injuries on April 20, 2021. His presidency was taken by his family member Mahamat Déby in April 2021.
The National Transitional Council will oversee the transition to democracy. On 23 May 2024, Mahamat Idriss Déby was sworn in as President of Chad.
Following protests on 14 May 2022, the authorities in Chad detained several members of civil society organizations.
The political situation in Chad is complex and challenging, and there is no easy solution to the problems. Chad is surrounded by countries that are also suffering political volatility, and internal violent conflicts, including the Central African Republic, Niger and Sudan. Millions of refugees, from these nations have tried to find protection in Chad.
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The political transition in Chad is a critical moment for the country. International IDEA is supporting the transitional authorities and stakeholders for a national dialogue. The programme works in synergy with a number of national and international partners and United Nations agencies. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating women and young people into the entire transition process.
Chad: National Forum Names Mahamat Deby Transitional President | The Conversation
Key Indicators
Chad ranks the 4th lowest in the Human Development Index and is among the poorest and most corrupt countries. Most of its inhabitants live in poverty as subsistence herders and farmers. Since 2003 crude oil has become the country's primary source of export earnings.
According to a 2012 Pew Research survey, 48% of Muslim Chadians professed to be Sunni, 21% Shia, 4% Ahmadi and 23% non-denominational Muslim. Catholics represent the largest Christian denomination in the country.
Although attendance is compulsory, only 68 percent of boys attend primary school, and more than half of the population is illiterate. Department of Labor's Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor in Chad reported that school attendance of children aged 5 to 14 was as low as 39%.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Human Development Index Rank | 4th lowest globally |
| Muslim Population (Sunni) | 48% |
| Muslim Population (Shia) | 21% |
| Primary School Attendance (Boys) | 68% |
