Voting in Togo underway after new constitutional reforms

LOMÉ, Togo

Voting got under way in legislative elections in Togo on Monday following approval of constitutional reforms by the outgoing parliament that could extend the 19-year-old rule of President Faure Gnassingbe.

Under a new chapter adopted in March introducing a parliamentary system of government, the president will be elected by parliament instead of by universal suffrage.

Details about the assembly's election of the head of state remain unclear, although under the new constitution the parliament will appoint a position described as president of the council of ministers, who will have extensive authority to manage Togo’s government affairs.

In power for nearly 20 years, Togo’s incumbent president succeeded his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled for almost four decades following a military coup.

Monday's vote had been pushed back twice because of a fierce backlash from some opposition parties who called the constitutional changes a political maneuver to allow Gnassingbe to extend his tenure for life.

Over four million people are registered to vote for 113 lawmakers among 2,352 candidates. Polls opened at 0700 GMT and provisional results are expected from Tuesday.

Regional elections are also taking place.

Observers say early turnout at polling stations in the capital, Lome, was scattered but the streets were calm.

Koffi Ohini, a 24-year-old farm technician who casted his ballot in Lome said he is a first-time voter.

"This is the first time I am voting, because I lived in a neighboring country before,” he said, adding, “I came out early to avoid crowds."

"I want to vote because these elections are important," Ohini said.

Monday's vote will elect 113 lawmakers and for the first time 179 regional deputies from the country's five districts who along with municipal councilors will elect a newly created Senate.

Opposition parties are contesting in the polls with hopes of gaining seats that will enable them to challenge Gnassingbe's UNIR party after they boycotted the last legislative poll and left it effectively in control of parliament.

Violent police crackdowns on political demonstrations have been routine under Gnassingbe - reelected in a 2020 landslide disputed by the opposition - as they were during his father's rule.

The 57-year-old leader has already won four elections, all contested by the opposition as flawed. He would have only been able to run one more time as president in 2025 under the previous constitution.

Several other African countries have pushed through constitutional and other legal changes in recent years allowing their presidents to extend their terms in office.

Monday's vote, initially set for April 20, was postponed twice to allow for consultations on the new constitution.

Amendments unanimously approved in a second parliamentary vote earlier this month shortened presidential terms to four years from five with a two-term limit.

This does not account for the time already spent in office, which could enable Gnassingbe to stay in power until 2033 if he is re-elected when his mandate expires in 2025. He has not yet stated his intentions.

Some opposition parties and civil society groups renewed calls for protests after the second vote, sparking small-scale demonstrations last week.

The outcome of Togo’s elections is expected to be known within the next six days.