06 May 2024 | 08:24 AM UTC
Togo: Demonstrations possible in areas across the country following results of April 29 legislative and regional elections /update 4
Political demonstrations possible across Togo, notably Lome, after results of April 29 legislative and regional elections.
Demonstrations remain possible in Lome and other areas across Togo into at least mid-May following the country's April 29 legislative and regional elections. Preliminary results indicate that President Faure Gnassingbe’s ruling party (Union pour la Republique, UNIR) retains a large majority in parliament, winning 108 seats out of a possible 113. According to observers, the voting day passed without significant incident, but some opposition parties denounced a ballot marred by fraud and violence.
While it is possible that opposition parties may call for protests to denounce election irregularities, previous opposition demonstrations have been either banned by authorities or seen little participation.
Heightened security, transport, and business disruptions will likely affect areas subject to protest activity, should it occur. 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 disperse. 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.
The April 29 elections were initially scheduled to be held on 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 and the de facto head of state.
Gnassingbe won re-election for a fourth term in February 2020 after taking over 70 percent of the vote in presidential polls widely criticized by the opposition. The opposition boycotted the last 2018 legislative election, enabling Gnassingbe's party to win most seats.
