In Chad, Parliament has approved a sweeping constitutional reform that extends the presidential term to seven years, renewable indefinitely.

The early vote, held on Friday, October 3rd, saw 236 out of 257 lawmakers back the proposal, which was championed by President Mahamat Idriss Déby’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement.

Supporters have hailed the reform as a “historic moment” reflecting national unity, but critics warn it could entrench power and weaken democratic checks and balances.