29 Apr 2024 | 10:54 PM UTC
Togo: Demonstrations and heightened security measures possible in areas across country following April 29 legislative and regional elections /update 3
Political rallies, increased security measures, and clashes possible in areas across Togo after April 29 legislative and regional elections.
Demonstrations and heightened security measures are possible in areas across Togo, particularly in Lome, into at least early May following the country's April 29 legislative and regional elections. Authorities will likely release preliminary election results within six days of the vote; officials may begin to announce results from April 30. Officials declared that the day of the elections would be a nonworking holiday, and polls closed at 16:00. Additionally, authorities announced ahead of the elections that the country's land borders would be closed from 00:01 to 23:59 on April 29 and deployed thousands of security personnel amid the vote.
Some 15 civil society groups have called for a large protest in Lome on May 5 to denounce constitutional amendments that opposition leaders argue would facilitate an extension of President Faure Gnassingbe's rule. Details regarding the precise timing and location of the planned demonstration were not immediately available. Activists may announce additional election-related demonstrations over the coming days, especially if opposition leaders widely circulate claims of election irregularities and fraud. Related rallies could materialize with little-to-no notice.
Transport and business disruptions will likely affect any areas that are subject to protest activity and heightened security measures. Officials may ban election-related demonstrations over the coming days. Security forces will likely attempt to disperse any sizeable opposition rallies that materialize, including by force if demonstrators refuse to heed authorities' instructions to scatter. Clashes between activists and security forces, as well as between groups of rival activists, cannot be ruled out.
Avoid any demonstrations that materialize due to the possibility of clashes. If violence occurs nearby, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building. Adhere to all instructions issued by local officials and your home government.
Officials reportedly limited civil liberties and press freedoms ahead of the elections, and barred the Roman Catholic Church, among other organizations, from deploying election observers. Officials also banned opposition gatherings that were scheduled April 12-13.
The April 29 elections were initially scheduled to be held April 20. The postponement of the elections followed the adoption by parliament of a new constitution on March 25. The constitutional reform transitions the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system. The President of the Council of Ministers, a newly created post elected by the Parliament, will be the leader of the majority party following the legislative elections for a six-year term as well as the de facto head of state.
Gnassingbe won reelection for a fourth term in February 2020 after taking more than 70 percent of the vote in presidential polls widely criticized by the opposition. The opposition boycotted the 2018 legislative election, enabling Gnassingbe's party to win a majority of seats.
