LAWMAKERS in Togo have sparked controversy by approving changes to the country’s constitution, touching on crucial aspects such as presidential term limits and election procedures. The move, passed on Friday, has elicited strong opposition from various political factions and civil society groups, labelling it a constitutional coup.
Initially proposed amendments were passed by parliament in March, but further consultations and a subsequent parliamentary vote were scheduled, delaying legislative elections due to widespread criticism.
The alterations, approved unanimously in the second vote, entail significant shifts in Togo’s political landscape. Notably, the president will no longer be elected through universal suffrage but by members of parliament, signalling a departure from previous electoral norms.
Opponents of the changes express concerns over the potential extension of President Faure Gnassingbe’s rule, which has lasted for 19 years, along with his family’s enduring grip on power. Gnassingbe’s father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, seized control of Togo through a coup in 1967, setting the stage for decades of authoritarian rule.
The amended constitution introduces a parliamentary system of government and reduces presidential terms from five to four years, with a two-term limit. However, it fails to consider time already served in office, potentially allowing Gnassingbe to remain in power until 2033 if re-elected in 2025, a scenario deemed highly probable given his party’s parliamentary control.
Critics denounce the amendments as a ploy by the regime to consolidate power, disregarding democratic principles. A coalition of 17 civil society organisations has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene in response to what they perceive as a threat to democratic governance in the region.
Togo’s constitutional changes align with a broader trend in Africa, where several countries have amended legal frameworks to extend presidential terms. The region has also witnessed a surge in military coups, further exacerbating political instability.
Violent crackdowns on political dissent have been commonplace in Togo under Gnassingbe’s rule, mirroring the repressive tactics employed during his father’s tenure. Gnassingbe’s 2020 re-election, marred by controversy, further underscores the contentious nature of Togo’s political landscape.
Moreover, the new constitution introduces a novel governmental role, that of the president of the council of ministers, endowed with extensive authority over government affairs, raising additional concerns among opposition groups.
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