Togo’s Upcoming Election: Battle for Power and Reform Amidst Controversy

Togo is gearing up for a parliamentary election on Monday, following recent constitutional amendments that would enable the current president, Faure Gnassingbé, to extend his stay in power indefinitely. The opposition aimed to secure adequate parliamentary seats to block these changes, which necessitate 4 out of 5 votes in parliament. Despite their efforts, the legislation was approved last week, awaiting only the president’s signature for formal ratification.

Young voters in the capital, a stronghold for the opposition, have voiced demands for reform, such as infrastructural improvements and anti-corruption measures. Amnesty International highlighted that Togolese authorities have suppressed freedom of assembly and media, resulting in the cancellation of opposition protests and the exclusion of foreign journalists from election coverage. Jean Yaovi Degli, a human rights advocate and former Togolese minister, pointed out that key political figures, including parties, are prohibited from advocating or demonstrating for political system change.

Gnassingbé’s popularity remains uncertain, given the absence of political polls in Togo. Should he endorse the constitutional amendments before the upcoming vote, the likelihood of presidential elections in Togo in the near future appears slim.