Togo's president, Faure Gnassingbé, signed a new constitution in May 2024, transitioning the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system. The reforms diminish Gnassingbé's powers, making the presidency largely ceremonial. Lawmakers will now elect the president. While supporters argue the changes promote democracy, critics point to the Gnassingbé family's long history of authoritarian rule and the lack of public support for the reforms.
Abuja — In May 2024, Togo 's President Faure Gnassingbé signed a new constitution, transitioning the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system . Under this new framework, lawmakers are responsible for electing the president.
After Eyadéma's death in 2005, his son, Faure Gnassingbé, was installed as president by the military, sparking widespread protests and violence. Faure has since won disputed elections in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Despite reinstating term limits in 2019, they were not applied retroactively, allowing Faure to remain in office until at least 2030.l.
"South Africa is a vibrant, multiparty democracy where elections are reasonably free and fair. This is why the African National Congress , which has governed the country since 1994, lost its majority in the May elections and was forced to form a coalition government with other parties. Moreover, South African legislators do follow their party lines but also enjoy a degree of autonomy. The same cannot be said of the Togolese parliament and electoral process.
Despite the ruling party's dominance, the resilience of the opposition shows that there are still those willing to risk their lives for change, Nkala notes, adding that the opposition's persistence, despite the odds, is a testament to the determination of millions of Togolese people who want to see an end to the Gnassingbé dynasty.France has maintained a close relationship with the Gnassingbé family, which has fueled resentment in Togo.
Efforts by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union to address Togo's political issues have been limited. ECOWAS's failure to act on the situation in Togo damages its reputation as a leader in promoting regional stability and development, analysts say.
Obeng says that as long as the elite continue to control the state machinery, including organizing elections, it will be very difficult for the opposition to unseat the government.
Togo Faure Gnassingbé Constitution Parliamentary System Presidential System Democracy
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