Togo’s President Signs New Constitution Eliminating Presidential Elections

Late Monday, Togo’s president approved a new constitution abolishing presidential elections, a move condemned by critics as a ploy to prolong his family’s decades-long reign. Civil society organizations within 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 development 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, including 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, such as extending presidential terms to six years with a single-term limit, 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, raising concerns that it could serve as another avenue for Gnassingbe to maintain control.

In response to the constitutional changes, a coalition of civil society organizations in Togo has called for protests demanding the reinstatement of the previous constitution. David Dosseh, a spokesperson for the groups, emphasized the necessity of the 2025 election for a democratic transition, labeling it “absolutely necessary” for Togo’s people to elect a new president.

The move signals ongoing tensions in Togo’s political landscape, with opposition voices and civil society groups vehemently opposing measures perceived as entrenching the ruling party’s grip on power.

obinna37:
Stupid Ecowas will not see this

obiekunie01:
what amazes me how they succed in making the people so docile and powerless!

obiekunie01:
what amazes me how they succed in making the people so docile and powerless!

ambale:


Education- you act according to what you are fed with

We were taught to be respectful to leaders cos they are assistant God, now we can't even fight them because of that idiotic belief

Kennitrust:
The development follows the signing of a controversial and widely condemned new constitution by President Faure Gnassingbe






www.withinnigeria.com

obinna37:
Stupid Ecowas will not see this

MTNnews:
ECOWAS should see it so that you n your tribesmen can turn it around to insult Tinubu ba ?!

Under the new constitution, the president will no longer be elected by popular vote; instead, parliament will select the head of state.

Kennitrust:

Togo’s President Signs New Constitution Eliminating Presidential Elections

Late Monday, Togo’s president approved a new constitution abolishing presidential elections, a move condemned by critics as a ploy to prolong his family’s decades-long reign. Civil society organizations within 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 development 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, including 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, such as extending presidential terms to six years with a single-term limit, 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, raising concerns that it could serve as another avenue for Gnassingbe to maintain control.

In response to the constitutional changes, a coalition of civil society organizations in Togo has called for protests demanding the reinstatement of the previous constitution. David Dosseh, a spokesperson for the groups, emphasized the necessity of the 2025 election for a democratic transition, labeling it “absolutely necessary” for Togo’s people to elect a new president.

The move signals ongoing tensions in Togo’s political landscape, with opposition voices and civil society groups vehemently opposing measures perceived as entrenching the ruling party’s grip on power.


https://www.arise.tv/togos-president-signs-new-constitution-eliminating-presidential-elections/

SyrusdeHansome:
No continent is as useless as Africa, no wonder they're still struggling to provide simple nd basic amenities and infrastructures like electricity in the 21st century. If na me be God i 4 wipe off the current population of Africans frm the face of the earth. They`re too unfruitful to still be alive nd occupy space.