Togo’s ruling Union for the Republic party (UNIR) secured a resounding victory in the country’s legislative elections held on April 29, as per provisional results announced late Saturday by the electoral commission. UNIR clinched 108 out of the 113 parliamentary seats.
The electoral process unfolded amid heightened political tensions sparked by the approval of a controversial new constitution earlier in April and a series of crackdowns on opposition protests.
The outcome sets the stage for President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his 19-year tenure under the new charter.
The new constitution introduces the role of “president of the council of ministers,” akin to a prime minister, automatically assumed by the leader of the majority party in parliament. Previously, Gnassingbé would have been restricted to one more presidential term.
However, with this new post, he could circumvent term limits and prolong his family’s dynastic rule, provided UNIR continues to dominate the national assembly.
While regional observers expressed overall satisfaction with the electoral process, opposition parties alleged irregularities, underscoring their discontent with the outcome.
Gnassingbé ascended to power in 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who had ruled Togo for nearly four decades.
