Chad lawmakers back seven-year unlimited presidential terms

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Chad lawmakers on Monday approved a constitutional amendment extending presidential terms from five to seven years and for unlimited terms.

The bill, presented by the Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) of the ruling majority, making a number of amendments to the December 2023 constitution, was passed by 171 votes to just one against, with no abstentions.

It now heads to the Senate for formal adoption scheduled for October 13, provided that three-fifths of the upper chamber back it.

"This vote constitutes a consideration and not an immediate amendment to the constitution," said the speaker of the lower house, Ali Kolotou.

The text allows the president to be elected for an unlimited number of seven-year terms, in contrast to the current constitutional limit of five years, renewable once.

The draft constitutional reform also provides for the creation of a deputy prime minister.

It extends the term of office of members of parliament by one year, from five to six years.

It also removes immunity from government members to make them "accountable before ordinary courts for economic and financial crimes and offences committed by them in the exercise of their duties".

President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno was proclaimed transitional president after the 2021 death of his father, Idriss Deby, who had ruled Chad for more than 30 years.

The former was then elected head of state in May 2024 following an election victory after a constitutional referendum had passed.