Togo Transits From Presidential To Parliamentary System Of Govt
TOGO’S parliament has approved a new constitution that removes presidents’ term limits, a move President Faure Gnassingbé critics have termed a ‘coup’.
Togo will transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system, with Gnassingbé’s supporters arguing that the changes reduce his powers and transform the presidency into a ceremonial role.
Togo’s parliament had already adopted the amendment on 25 March, but the reforms led to an opposition backlash so President Gnassingbe called for further consultations and a second parliamentary vote.
The lawmakers gave final approval to the reform late on Friday, just days before the 29 April legislative elections that had also been pushed back due to the issues around the constitutional amendments.
The second reading was passed with all 87 politicians present agreeing to the new system, under which the president will no longer be elected by universal suffrage, but by members of parliament.
The amendments also introduced a parliamentary system of government and shortened presidential terms to four years from five with a two-term limit.
It does not take into account the time already spent in office, which could enable President Gnassingbe to stay in power until 2033 if he is re-elected in 2025, a highly likely scenario as his party controls parliament.
Those opposed to the changes fear they could allow further extensions of the president’s 19-year rule and his family’s grip on power. His father and predecessor Gnassingbe Eyadema seized power in the coastal West African country via a coup in 1967.
In a statement on Saturday, the Dynamique Pour la Majorité du Peuple (DMP) opposition coalition and other signatories said the constitutional changes were a political manoeuvre to allow President Gnassingbe to extend his tenure for life.
“What happened at the National Assembly yesterday is a coup d’etat,” they said.
“Large-scale action will be organised over the next few days to say ‘no’ to this constitution.”
President Gnassingbé came to power in 2005 after the death of his father, who had ruled the country since 1967. His family has ruled Togo for over 50 years.
Additional report courtesy of Al Jazeera
Eighteen-Eleven Media
