Togo prepares for its first senatorial election on February 15, which aims to establish a new constitution favoring President Faure Gnassingbé. The opposition claims this will consolidate his power and limit democratic transitions. Economic challenges persist, with high poverty and a low human capital index. Opposition parties are boycotting due to previous electoral fraud, raising questions about Togo’s future under the new system and its implications for democracy.
Togo is preparing for its inaugural senatorial election, scheduled for February 15, following a delay instigated by the government for better organization among political actors. This election is expected to solidify a new constitution, which critics argue will enable President Faure Gnassingbé to maintain power indefinitely. His presidency began in 2005 when he succeeded his father, and the impending changes to the electoral system are controversial, as they appear to concentrate power in his hands.
The new constitution redefines the political landscape by reducing the power of the presidential office, which will become largely ceremonial. Instead, authority will shift to a newly established President of the Council of Ministers (PCM), a position that Gnassingbé is likely to occupy. This change raises concerns that it will hinder the Togolese people’s ability to elect a new head of state, effectively solidifying unchallenged rule.
A report from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies emphasizes the strategic intent behind these reforms, suggesting that they may undermine Togo’s democratic institutions and exacerbate instability. The PCM will wield significant power over civil and military matters, further entrenching the ruling party, UNIR, which holds a majority in the National Assembly through ambiguous constitutional revisions.
Togo is among West Africa’s poorest nations, with a high poverty rate and limited foreign investment. Economic challenges, including inflation and urban-rural disparities, hinder poverty alleviation efforts. The World Bank highlights that the human capital index score of 0.43 reflects poor healthcare and educational prospects, which stunts future productivity for children in Togo, perpetuating underdevelopment.
In response to the new electoral framework, some opposition parties, specifically the ANC and FDR, have declared their intention to boycott the senatorial elections. They cite previous electoral fraud and a lack of guarantees for fair processes as their reasons for non-participation. The situation has drawn criticism from observers, who point out the limitations of regional structures like ECOWAS in advocating for democratic practices in member states.
With the elections poised to reinforce Gnassingbé’s power, Togo faces a critical juncture in its democratic evolution as it transitions into what would constitute its fifth republic. The implications of this election extend beyond immediate political dynamics, hinting at a future where democratic governance and citizen rights may be compromised.
Togo’s upcoming senatorial election represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic trajectory. With significant changes embedded in a new constitution, concerns about the concentration of power under President Gnassingbé are widespread. The opposition’s call for a boycott and criticisms directed at regional governance structures underscore the complex political landscape. As Togo approaches this election, its democratic future remains uncertain, raising alarms about political stability and governance.
Original Source: www.okayafrica.com
