Togo finds itself on edge as citizens brace for postponed parliamentary and regional elections amid a backdrop of political turmoil surrounding a contentious new constitution.
The proposed changes, extending President Faure Gnassingbé’s tenure potentially until 2031, have ignited fierce debate and allegations of an orchestrated bid to prolong his family’s dynastic rule, reminiscent of his father’s nearly four-decade reign.
Opposition parties cry foul, accusing the government of manipulating the electoral process to entrench power. Concerns over the fairness of the upcoming polls are compounded by reports of foreign press restrictions and the exclusion of election observers from the Conference of Togolese Catholic Bishops.
Despite past boycotts, opposition figures are urging supporters to turn out en masse, hoping to challenge what they perceive as a growing authoritarian grip on the nation’s political landscape. Conversely, proponents of Gnassingbé’s extended presidency tout the move as essential for continuity and national development.
With tensions running high and the country at a crossroads, all eyes remain fixed on Togo as it navigates a critical juncture in its democratic journey.
