Togo Reschedules Senate Elections Amid Political Tensions
Togo’s senatorial elections have been postponed to February 15 to allow political parties more time to prepare. Campaigning will begin on January 30. The elections are seen as crucial to implementing a contested new constitution, facing boycotts from key opposition parties who consider it a “constitutional coup d’état.”
Togo has rescheduled its inaugural senatorial elections to February 15, as declared by a presidential decree released on Friday evening. This postponement is intended to grant political parties additional time to organize effectively. Official campaigning is set to commence on January 30. This election marks a significant move towards enacting a new constitution, a subject of considerable criticism from both the opposition and civil society groups.
Multiple political entities had requested the delay to facilitate the registration of their candidates. However, some significant opposition factions, including the National Alliance for Change (ANC), have announced their intention to boycott the election, considering it a facet of a “constitutional coup d’état”.
The Senate, established via a constitutional amendment in 2002, has yet to be operational. It will include 61 members, with 41 senators being elected by regional and municipal councillors, while the remaining senators will be appointed by the president of the Council of Ministers. The newly proposed constitution has been criticized for altering the direct election process of the head of state to a parliamentary system, allegedly enabling President Faure Gnassingbé to maintain power indefinitely. Under his leadership, Togo’s ruling party, UNIR, has secured 108 of the 113 legislative seats in the April 2024 elections. President Gnassingbé has been in office since 2005, succeeding his father, who ruled for 38 years before him.
Togo’s political landscape has been historically influenced by a long-standing dynastic rule that has raised concerns regarding democratic integrity and governance. The upcoming senatorial elections are pivotal as they are projected to finalize the implementation of a new constitution, a change that has not been embraced by all stakeholders. Political parties are now navigating a complex arena where calls for reform and political freedoms are intersecting with governmental resistance and strategic maneuvers to consolidate power.
The delay of Togo’s senatorial elections to February 15 reflects the complexities surrounding the nation’s political processes. While some parties advocate for additional time to prepare, the boycott by significant opposition groups underscores deep divisions within the political arena. With the forthcoming elections being closely associated with the implementation of a controversial new constitution, the outcome will undoubtedly have lasting implications on Togo’s democratic future.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
