Togo has delayed its inaugural Senate elections to February 15, allowing political actors more time for organization and candidate registration. The transition follows a controversial new constitution, which has incited significant opposition. Campaigning will begin on January 30, and concerns remain regarding electoral legitimacy, particularly from major opposition parties who are considering boycotts.
The Senate elections in Togo have been rescheduled for February 15, a two-week delay intended to provide political parties with additional time for candidate registration and organization. This decision was announced through a presidential decree published on Friday. The campaign period will officially commence on January 30. This election represents a critical step in implementing a new constitution, which has faced significant opposition from various political factions and civil society groups.
The upcoming senatorial elections are particularly noteworthy as they follow a constitutional revision that established the Senate in Togo back in 2002. This body, which has yet to be formally constituted, will consist of 61 members—41 of whom will be elected by municipal and regional councillors, while the remaining 20 will be appointed by the Prime Minister. The new constitution has been met with criticism for its implications regarding presidential powers. President Faure Gnassingbe’s administration, which has been in place since 2005, seeks to replace direct presidential elections with a parliamentary system, a transition viewed by many as a means to consolidate his grip on power.
The postponement of the Togo Senate elections reflects the complex political landscape of the country, where ongoing disputes concerning governance and constitutionality persist. With significant factions, such as the National Alliance for Change, signaling intentions to boycott the elections, the situation underscores the challenges faced in establishing a representative and functional Senate within a contentious political framework. As campaigning officially begins on January 30, the eyes of both domestic and international observers will be firmly fixed on Togo’s electoral developments.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
