Chad’s National Assembly has overwhelmingly approved significant constitutional amendments that extend the presidential term from five to seven years and remove term limits, potentially allowing President Mahamat Idriss Deby to remain in power indefinitely. The changes, passed with 171 votes in favor, one abstention, and no opposition, are set for a final Senate vote on October 13, after which they will be signed into law by the president. This move follows Deby’s controversial election victory in May 2024, which came after three years of military rule and was disputed by opposition leaders. The ruling party also secured a dominant majority in parliamentary elections held in December. Analysts view these revisions as a strategic effort by the ruling elite to consolidate power, with Remadji Hoinathy of the Institute for Security Studies noting that dissenting voices are increasingly being silenced. Chad, which has experienced a series of coups in recent years, was the first junta-led state in West and Central Africa to hold elections. The political landscape remains tense, with opposition leader Succes Masra sentenced to 20 years in prison for inciting violence following the disputed election.