On Friday, Togolese lawmakers approved long-debated constitutional reforms, transitioning the west African nation from a presidential to a parliamentary style of governance. The passage of these reforms sparked immediate response from opposition Dynamique pour La Majorite du Peuple (DMP), who initiated protests on Saturday following the legislative vote.
The legislation was adopted unanimously by lawmakers on March 25, introducing significant modifications to the country’s law foundation, the Constitution of the Fifth Togolese Republic. The alterations include a transition to a parliamentary governance system, with parliamentary groups presenting presidential candidates and conducting their election. The reforms also reduce the presidential tenure to four years, limited to a single re-election term. Additionally, a new position has been introduced – the President of the Council of Ministers, akin to a Prime Minister, with no cap on terms of service.
Originally approved by parliament last month, President Faure Gnassingbe suspended the planned reforms due to increased opposition. Following public dissent, the president decided to postpone the elections indefinitely before rescheduling them for April 29.
Opposition activists have expressed their concern that the constitutional changes are a means to extend President Gnassingbe’s hold on power and further prolong his family’s six-decade rule in Togo. Opposition leader, Gerard Djossou of the DMP, expressed to Al Jazeera that interfering with the constitution can potentially destabilize the nation as it serves as their only guarantee of stability.
As Togo prepares for the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 29, anticipation builds about how these recent reforms will shape the evolving political landscape.