Togo held its first senatorial elections amid opposition boycotts and allegations of a constitutional coup. President Faure Gnassingbe has maintained control since 2005, and fears arise regarding his consolidation of power under the new constitution. While some parties participated, many opposition groups rejected the electoral process, claiming it lacks legitimacy.
Togo has conducted its inaugural senatorial elections, with municipal and regional councilors casting their votes amid widespread apprehension regarding President Faure Gnassingbe’s influence over the new constitutional framework. Several opposition parties announced their decision to boycott the elections, citing concerns that the parliamentary reform is fundamentally flawed and lacks integrity.
The newly adopted constitution has shifted Togo from a direct presidential election to a parliamentary system, wherein the presidency assumes a symbolic role while real power is transferred to the president of the Council of Ministers—currently held by Gnassingbe. He has ruled Togo since 2005, succeeding his father, who was in power for 38 years.
Previously, Gnassingbe was allowed only one more presidential run due to constitutional limits. In this election, more than 1,500 municipal and 179 regional councilors will select 41 of 61 new senators from 89 candidates, while the remainder will be appointed by the president of the Council of Ministers.
Vimenyo Koffi, a municipal councilor, remarked on the unprecedented nature of the constitution, stating, “It’s a new constitution that we have never tested. We had to test it to see the sides that are not good and to appreciate the rest.”
The Alliance of Democrats for Integral Development, one of the major opposition parties, indicated its intention to participate in the elections. However, several parties, including the National Alliance for Change and the Democratic Forces for the Republic, plan to boycott, labeling the process a “constitutional coup d’etat.”
The ANC asserted its strong opposition to what it terms an anti-democratic initiative aimed at establishing an illegitimate government. The FDR condemned the elections as a farcical event and emphasized that the newly formed Senate would incur unnecessary costs much needed elsewhere in regional and local governance.
Supporters of President Gnassingbe argue that the constitutional amendments enhance representative democracy. His ruling party, the Union for the Republic, gained a significant majority in the April legislative elections, which opponents denounced as an “electoral hold-up” rife with fraud.
In summary, Togo’s first-ever senatorial elections have transpired amidst significant political controversy and allegations of undemocratic practices. With numerous opposition parties boycotting the vote, the legitimacy of the new constitutional framework remains in question. As supporters emphasize increased representation, dissenters highlight concerns regarding governance and the potential for authoritarianism under the current regime.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
