Opposition groups in Togo have accused authorities of ballot-stuffing and other irregularities in recent legislative and regional elections, raising concerns about the integrity of the vote. Despite these claims, regional observers have described the polls as free and fair, highlighting a contentious divide as President Faure Gnassingbé’s Union for the Republic (UNIR) party appears poised to maintain its dominance.
Opposition Claims Widespread Irregularities
The Dynamics for the Majority of the People (DMP) alliance reported multiple issues during the elections, including over-voting, delays in polling station openings, and improperly displayed electoral lists. Nathaniel Olympio, president of the Togolese Party, criticized international organizations for allegedly endorsing fraudulent elections with insufficient oversight, claiming they deployed fewer than 70 observers nationwide. Similarly, Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson, leader of the Democratic Convention of African Peoples (CDPA), vowed to challenge the election’s validity, stating, “We witnessed massive fraud, including ballot stuffing, and we have proof to prosecute those responsible.” The opposition’s accusations reflect long-standing distrust, as they also boycotted the previous parliamentary elections due to similar concerns.
Constitutional Reform Fuels Tensions
The elections followed a controversial constitutional reform that critics argue strengthens President Gnassingbé’s grip on power. The new constitution shifts executive authority to a president of the council of ministers, a role akin to a super-Prime Minister, automatically assigned to the leader of the majority party in parliament. Given UNIR’s dominance, this could allow Gnassingbé, who has led Togo since his father’s death, to assume this position and sidestep presidential term limits. Opposition parties view this reform as a strategy to perpetuate his rule, intensifying their scrutiny of the electoral process.
Regional Observers Defend Election Integrity
Despite opposition outcry, the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) reported that the elections occurred in a good atmosphere with no major incidents. They noted minor issues, such as annulled ballots and voters queuing after polling stations closed, but concluded these did not compromise the vote’s transparency. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also praised the smooth organization of the polls. Pascal Bodjona, Gnassingbé’s political advisor, attributed UNIR’s strong performance to its grassroots presence, dismissing fraud allegations and deferring to competent authorities to address any issues.
A Polarized Political Landscape
Togo’s elections underscore deep divisions, with the opposition alleging systemic manipulation while regional bodies endorse the process. The electoral commission has a limited window to announce results, which will likely shape the nation’s political future. If UNIR secures a majority, Gnassingbé could transition to the new executive role, further consolidating power. The opposition’s planned legal challenges signal ongoing resistance to what they perceive as an undemocratic shift, raising questions about Togo’s democratic trajectory under military-influenced governance.
