In a significant political development, Togolese citizens will undergo a fundamental change in their electoral process. Lawmakers, in a session held on Monday, March 25, have ratified a new constitution proposed by members of the ruling party. This constitutional amendment marks a pivotal transition for the West African nation, shifting its governance structure from a presidential system to a parliamentary one.
The adoption of this new constitution reflects a concerted effort by the ruling party to reshape the political landscape of Togo. However, this move has faced criticism from the opposition, which opted to boycott the previous legislative elections in 2018. Recently, the opposition has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral census, further highlighting their discontent with the political process.
Central to the changes introduced by the new constitution is the shift in the mechanism for selecting the head of state. Instead of direct elections by the populace, lawmakers will now elect the president of the republic for a single six-year term. Additionally, a new position, the “president of the council of ministers,” has been established. This individual will wield full authority and power in managing government affairs. The president of the council of ministers will be either the leader of the party securing the legislative majority or the head of the winning coalition of parties, serving a six-year term.
Furthermore, Members of Parliament (MPs) will now be elected through universal suffrage, with secret ballots for renewable terms of six years. This restructuring of the legislative process aims to enhance representation and accountability within the government.
The adoption of the new constitution has not been without controversy. Part of it was passed by lawmakers whose mandate was nearing expiration last year, raising questions about the legitimacy of the process. Moreover, the timeline for the implementation of these changes remains unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Togo’s political future.
Looking ahead, the upcoming parliamentary election on April 20th, coinciding with regional elections, will serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of the new constitutional framework. With approximately 4.2 million registered voters, the outcome of these elections will shape the trajectory of Togo’s political landscape for years to come.
Togo’s recent history has been dominated by the Gnassingbe clan, which has held power since 1967. The transition to a parliamentary system represents a historic departure from this longstanding political legacy, signaling a potential shift towards greater democratic governance and pluralism in Togo’s political arena.
