People in Togo are gearing up to participate in delayed parliamentary and regional elections on Monday amidst controversy surrounding President Faure Gnassingbé’s extended term.
Opposition parties are accusing the government of passing a new constitution that allows President Gnassingbé to remain in power until 2031, sparking concerns of a potential power grab by the ruling family who have been in control for 57 years.
Initially scheduled for April 20, the polls were postponed by President Gnassingbé under the guise of conducting “consultations.”
Critics have raised doubts about the credibility of the upcoming elections after foreign press accreditation was temporarily halted by the authorities. Even the Conference of Togolese Catholic Bishops, which criticized the constitutional reform, was blocked from deploying election observers.
Over four million voters will have the opportunity to elect 113 lawmakers and 179 regional deputies who will be instrumental in the establishment of a newly created senate.
With opposition parties largely absent from parliament due to a boycott in the previous election, the disputed reform was passed without much resistance. However, this time, they are rallying their supporters to turn out in large numbers to make their voices heard.
On the other hand, supporters of President Gnassingbé believe that his continued leadership is crucial for the country’s development.
As Togo prepares for this crucial electoral process, tensions are high and the outcome remains uncertain. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the unfolding situation in Togo.
