Experts weigh in as Togo Gears Up for Legislative Elections

LOME, TOGO — The political climate in Togo heats up as parliamentary election campaigns commenced on Saturday, set against a backdrop of delays and heightened tensions stemming from President Faure Gnassingbé's controversial attempts to overhaul the constitution. These attempts included proposals to eliminate presidential elections altogether. The elections are scheduled for April 29.

The lead-up to the campaigns has been marked by a series of planned protests by the National Alliance for Change (ANC), a prominent opposition party advocating for governmental reform. Many of these protests were canceled following a government ban citing potential disturbances to public order. The ANC is running on a platform centered around significant change, aiming to secure a majority in the National Assembly to counterbalance the current administration.

President Gnassingbé's party, the Union for the Republic, which he founded in 2012, has also started its campaign efforts. The ruling party currently holds a significant sway in the National Assembly, a dominance the ANC seeks to challenge.

Paul Amegakpo, a political analyst at the Tamberma Institute for Governance, provided insights from his office in Lome. According to Amegakpo, this election presents a pivotal opportunity for the opposition. "The current power holders might lose their ability to meet the quota required to amend the constitution," Amegakpo explained. If the ruling party fails to secure enough seats, they would be unable to use constitutional amendments to delay or cancel future elections, maintaining a semblance of democratic process.

Africanews correspondent Noël Tadegnon reports that the stakes are high, with over 2,000 candidates from various political parties and independent backgrounds vying for 113 seats in the National Assembly and 179 regional councillor positions. These candidates have a mere two weeks to sway the opinions of approximately 4 million eligible voters.

As Togo approaches these crucial legislative elections, the outcomes could significantly reshape the country's political landscape and determine the future trajectory of its governance.