Chad may soon undergo a constitutional change. During a March 19 forum on institutional reform — which was almost entirely boycotted by the country's political opposition — longtime Chadian President Idriss Deby announced the establishment of a fourth Chadian Republic. Among the litany of potentially forthcoming changes included in the restructuring is an expansion of term lengths from five to seven years. This move bucks the general trend — particularly among French-speaking countries — of transitioning away from lengthy presidential terms. However, the proposed changes also include the introduction of term limits, with two terms possible. This change could accelerate questions over Deby's succession that will likely ramp up in the years ahead. Rumors of the 65-year-old leader's failing health have circulated for years, but Deby has succeeded in frequent fights with rivals for control of the country since he took power in 1990.