Chadian constitutional reform to grant Idriss Deby 15 more years in power

65-year-old Chadian president Idriss Deby Itno, who came to power after a rebellion in 1990, is about to book 15 more years to his 28 years in power in a constitutional reform.

A two-week national conference on the constitutional reform proposed the elimination of the post of prime minister and creating a full presidential system.

It also proposed a two-term presidential limit of six years each that will take effect from the next presidential election in 2021.

If approved by the parliament this year, Deby could stay in power until 2033 when he will be 81, Reuters reports.

The forum was made up of about 800 politicians, business leaders and traditional chiefs. It was boycotted by the opposition which described the recommendations presented on Tuesday as a “monarchy”, adds Reuters.

The former rebel leader took power in a rebellion against President Hissène Habré in December 1990. He has since survived various rebellions against his rule and has won elections in 1996 and 2001. He removed presidential term limits and won the 2006, 2011, and 2016 elections.