Lomé, Togo – Togo is set to hold its legislative elections on April 29th, following a nine-day postponement announced by the presidential administration. This two-week campaign period marks a historic moment, as it will also see the country’s first-ever regional elections.
The original date for both polls was April 20th. However, on April 4th, the government cited the need for “consultations” regarding recently passed constitutional reforms as justification for the delay.
These reforms, approved by the National Assembly in late March, propose a significant shift from a presidential system to a parliamentary one. Additionally, they stipulate a single, six-year term for the president, replacing the previous five-year term with the possibility of one renewal.
Just days after the reforms’ passage, President Faure Gnassingbe, aiming to foster “openness and constructive dialogue,” returned the document to parliament for a second reading. This move came amidst reported rejection from the opposition who accused the government of attempting to extend Gnassingbe’s rule. The president has served four terms since 2005.