Campaigning Begins in Togo as Country Prepares for Historic Regional and Legislative Elections

Lomé, Togo-Campaigning for the upcoming legislative and first-ever regional elections in Togo kicked off on Saturday, April 13, setting the stage for a pivotal political event in the West African nation. The elections, initially scheduled for April 20, have been rescheduled to April 29, with campaigning slated to continue for the next two weeks.

The focus of this election cycle is the legislative race, which is expected to play a critical role in determining the next leader of Togo. This heightened attention comes in the wake of a significant constitutional overhaul approved by Togolese MPs on March 25. The new constitution transitions the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system, a change spearheaded by the current Head of State, Faure Gnassingbé.

In an effort to soothe tensions and foster broader consensus, President Gnassingbé delayed the promulgation of the new constitution and called for a second reading in the National Assembly. He urged MPs to engage in extensive consultations with traditional and regional leaders throughout the nation.

However, the proposed constitutional changes have not been without controversy. Opposition parties have expressed strong disapproval and have promised to resist what they see as a detrimental shift in the country’s governance framework. Initially, they planned three days of protests, which were subsequently banned by the government on grounds of potential public order disruptions. This ban has only escalated the stakes, with Eric Dupuy, a spokesman for the opposition, indicating their intention to proceed with the rallies regardless. Dupuy criticized the government's tactics, accusing it of using any means necessary to suppress dissent.

The tension was further exacerbated last week when the government arrested nine opposition activists for their involvement in political activities at a local market. Although they were released on Tuesday, April 9, the arrests have contributed to a simmering atmosphere of unrest.

As Togo, a nation of eight million, heads towards these landmark elections, the international community watches closely. The outcomes could not only reshape the political landscape of Togo but also set a precedent for democratic processes in the region. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes are on how this historical transition will unfold in the coming weeks.