Over four million Togolese voters are called to the polls this Monday, April 29, for legislative and regional elections.
Togolese head to the polls this Monday for a dual election under high tension since the adoption of a new Constitution, contested by the opposition.
Repeatedly postponed, the dual election, both legislative and regional, is held this Monday in Togo as a new Constitution adopted by outgoing deputies on April 19 transitions the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system. 4.2 million voters are summoned to elect 113 deputies among 2352 candidates and to designate 179 regional councillors from 2312 registered for the occasion.
The opposition strongly contests this Constitution, claiming it was designed to consolidate the power of the currently ruling party and limit the powers of the future president. Tensions have escalated in the country, with opposition protests and calls to boycott the vote. However, the government assures that these constitutional changes will allow for better representativeness and strengthen democracy.
International observers and civil society organizations are deployed throughout the country to monitor the voting process and ensure its transparency. The government has also implemented enhanced security measures, fearing disruptions during the electoral process.
The results of these elections are eagerly awaited, as they will decide the political future of Togo. The stakes are high, not only for the candidates and competing parties but also for the entire Togolese population, who hope for significant changes through this new parliamentary system.
