Togo’s Ruling Party Secures Majority in New Senate Elections
Following the recent Senate elections in Togo, President Faure Gnassingbé’s Union for the Republic has emerged victorious, securing 34 out of the 41 available seats in the newly formed chamber. The election, held on Saturday, saw municipal and regional councilors casting their votes for members of the Senate, with Gnassingbé set to appoint the remaining 20 seats as per the amended constitution.
The constitutional changes not only created the Senate but also redistributed governing authority, with a President of the Council of Ministers now holding significant power. This new position comes with a six-year term that can be renewed indefinitely, effectively reducing the President of the Republic to a ceremonial role. Critics of the amendments argue that this shift in power will allow Gnassingbé to extend his influence, especially since he was previously limited to one final term under the old constitution.
Despite the outcome of the elections, some opposition parties chose to boycott the process, claiming that the Senate is redundant and only serves to further consolidate Gnassingbé’s control over the government.
It will be interesting to see how these changes in Togo’s political landscape unfold and what implications they may have for the country’s future governance.
Sources: Bloomberg
