After facing mounting public dissatisfaction for nearly a week, the Togolese presidency has announced its decision to reintroduce the contentious constitutional reform bill to Parliament.
In a statement released on March 29, President Faure Gnassingbé’s office cited the significant public interest generated by the bill’s adoption and acknowledged the need for further refinement, leading to a call for a “second reading.”
Initially approved by parliament on March 25, the legislation has drawn criticism from opposition factions who perceive it as a tactic to consolidate Gnassingbé’s control over Togo’s power structure.
Gnassingbé has held the presidency since 2005, succeeding his father’s long-standing rule. The proposed constitutional amendments grant parliament the authority to select the president, eliminating direct elections and potentially facilitating Gnassingbé’s reelection when his current term expires in 2025.
While the bill proposes a one-term limit and curtails the authority of future presidents, it also enhances the role of a figure akin to a prime minister, officially designated as the president of the council of ministers. However, opposition groups fear this provision could serve as another avenue for Gnassingbé to prolong his political dominance.
Postponing not annulling
The decision to table the bill again comes amidst calls from activists and opposition leaders for protests against the proposed constitutional changes. Additionally, the Catholic Christian clergy has urged President Gnassingbé to refrain from signing the bill into law, emphasizing the need for broader consultation and inclusive national dialogue.
Following the announcement, some Togolese citizens voiced criticism on social media, asserting that the preferred course of action should have been to abandon the bill entirely, aligning with the will of the people.
The reintroduction of the bill precedes upcoming parliamentary and regional elections scheduled for April 20th, with approximately 4.2 million Togolese voters registered to participate. However, details regarding the commencement of the bill’s second reading and potential amendments remain unclear, along with the timeline for its implementation.
