International

Togo Delays Legislative Elections After Controversial Constitutional Reform

Apexnewsgh

In a recent development, Togo’s government has decided to postpone the legislative elections scheduled for 20 April to an unspecified date. Apexnewsgh reports

This decision comes after lawmakers approved a controversial constitutional reform that has sparked criticism from the opposition.

The amendment, which was adopted by Parliament in March, has raised concerns about a potential power grab by President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his stay in office. The opposition has strongly opposed the reform, leading President Gnassingbe to send it back to the assembly for a second reading.

According to a statement released by the presidency, the delay is necessary to conduct consultations with all stakeholders regarding the reform. The National Assembly has requested additional time to engage in these discussions before proceeding with the elections.

As a result, the government has announced a slight rearrangement of the electoral calendar, with no new date provided for the legislative elections.

The controversial law passed by Parliament aims to transition Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system, granting the assembly the authority to elect the president for a single six-year term.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the presidential term, opposition groups fear that this reform could lead to indefinite rule by President Gnassingbe, who took office after his father’s coup over 50 years ago.

The situation in Togo remains tense as the government navigates the complexities of the constitutional reform and the upcoming elections.

Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana

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Ngamegbulam C. S

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