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Togo holds municipal elections amid protests and low turnout
Togo conducted its municipal elections on July 17, marking a pivotal yet contentious moment in the nation’s political landscape. The elections come on the heels of violent protests and widespread unrest following constitutional reforms that strengthened President Faure Gnassingbé’s grip on power.
Elections overshadowed by unrest
Polling stations across Togo’s 117 municipalities opened under heavy security, with a significant police presence concentrated in the capital, Lomé. Authorities aimed to ensure citizens could safely cast their votes, though the atmosphere was tense. Protesters and opposition groups boycotted the elections, citing concerns over legitimacy and the suppression of dissent. The capital was eerily quiet, reflecting historically low voter turnout.
A local human rights advocate explained the subdued participation, saying, “People fear being attacked by protesters for participating or being dispersed by security forces. Many feel voting is futile since the results are always predetermined.”
Despite these challenges, electoral observers noted that the voting process remained peaceful, likely due to the intimidating security presence.
A legacy of authoritarian rule
This election is the first since President Gnassingbé amended the constitution, abolishing term limits and solidifying his rule. In power since 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé now serves as both president and head of the newly created Council of Ministers, a position with no term restrictions. Critics accuse him of orchestrating a "constitutional coup d’état."
The protests, spearheaded by the M66 movement, have drawn attention to Togo’s democratic backslide. Demonstrators call for the president’s removal and demand an end to authoritarian practices. June’s protests led to violent clashes with police, resulting in arrests, beatings, and even fatalities. Rights groups report incidents of extrajudicial killings, with victims’ bodies found in rivers near Lomé, though the government attributes these deaths to accidental drownings.
A grim outlook for democracy
The municipal elections, held under such fraught conditions, reflect the deepening political crisis in Togo. Civil society groups and international observers view the process as emblematic of the government’s tightening control over democratic institutions. As unrest continues, the nation’s trajectory remains uncertain, with growing calls for political reform and accountability.