Late Monday, Togo’s president approved a new constitution abolishing presidential elections. Critics condemn the move as a ploy to prolong his family’s decades-long reign. Civil society organizations in the West African nation have called for protests in response.

Under the new constitution, the president will no longer be elected by popular vote. Instead, parliament will select the head of state. This follows the recent announcement by the election commission that President Faure Gnassingbe’s ruling party secured a majority in parliament.

Ahead of the vote, the government imposed restrictions on civic and media freedoms. This included the prohibition of protests against the proposed constitution and the arrest of opposition members. Additionally, the electoral commission barred the Catholic Church from deploying election observers, while Togo’s media regulator suspended accreditation for foreign journalists.

Despite some provisions in the new constitution, critics argue that it provides loopholes for Gnassingbe to prolong his tenure beyond the slated 2025 mandate expiration. The Gnassingbe family has dominated Togo’s political landscape for over half a century, with Eyadema Gnassingbe initially at the helm, succeeded by his son Faure Gnassingbe after contested elections labeled as fraudulent by the opposition.

Moreover, the new constitution introduces a prime minister-like position appointed by the ruling party. This raises concerns that it could serve as another avenue for Gnassingbe to maintain control.


https://thenigeriafocus.com/2024/05/10/togos-president-signs-new-constitution-eliminating-presidential-elections/