Togo's UNIR Party Wins 96% of Parliament Seats, Extending President Faure Gnassingbe's Rule with Constitutional Reforms
Togo's ruling UNIR party, led by President Faure Gnassingbe, won a supermajority of 108 out of 113 seats in the April 29 legislative elections.
This result comes after the approval of constitutional reforms by the outgoing parliament, which could extend Gnassingbe's 19-year rule and introduce a parliamentary system of government, allowing him to be elected by parliament instead of by universal suffrage.
Opposition parties had hoped to gain seats in the election to challenge the UNIR party but had boycotted the last legislative poll, leaving it in control of parliament.
The text describes the delay of an election in Togo due to opposition parties' objections to constitutional changes.
These changes, which were approved in a second parliamentary vote in April, shortened presidential terms to four years from five with a two-term limit.
However, the time already spent in office by the current president, Gnassingbe, could allow him to extend his tenure until 2033 if re-elected in 2025.
The opposition parties view these changes as a means for Gnassingbe to rule for life.
Opposition parties had hoped to gain seats in the election to challenge the UNIR party but had boycotted the last legislative poll, leaving it in control of parliament.
The text describes the delay of an election in Togo due to opposition parties' objections to constitutional changes.
These changes, which were approved in a second parliamentary vote in April, shortened presidential terms to four years from five with a two-term limit.
However, the time already spent in office by the current president, Gnassingbe, could allow him to extend his tenure until 2033 if re-elected in 2025.
The opposition parties view these changes as a means for Gnassingbe to rule for life.
Translation:
Translated by AI
