Togo elections: ruling party sweeps 108 out of 113 seats in parliament

In the legislative elections held on 29 April, Togo’s ruling Union for the Republic party (UNIR) won a commanding majority, securing 108 out of the 113 seats in parliament according to provisional results released by the electoral commission.

The elections took place amidst heightened political tensions following the recent approval of a controversial new constitution and a series of crackdowns on opposition protests. These results now pave the way for President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his nearly two-decade rule under the new charter.

With the ability to assume the newly created role of “president of the council of ministers”, similar to a prime minister, Gnassingbé can effectively bypass the term limits that were set under the previous constitution. This move has been criticized by opposition parties, who claim it will allow him to maintain a hold on power as long as UNIR continues to dominate the national assembly.

While regional observers have expressed satisfaction with the election process, opposition parties have raised concerns about irregularities in the vote. Despite boycotts in the past, they had hoped to gain more seats in parliament in order to challenge UNIR’s majority.

Gnassingbé ascended to power in 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who had ruled Togo for nearly four decades.