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The legitimacy of the reform has been challenged by a cross-section of people including the present head of state’s detractors
Togo’s lawmakers launched consultations across the West African nation to resolve the issues caused after a controversial constitutional reform was passed in late March by lawmakers. The legitimacy of the reform has been challenged by a cross-section of people including the present head of state’s detractors.
Togolese lawmakers will conduct for three days a tour to listen to and inform civilians on the constitutional reform. Customary rulers and selected groups are reported to be the main targets of the consultations.
The proposed Constitution passed on March 25, grants parliament the power to choose the president, doing away with direct elections. This transitions Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
The proposed bill restricts the power of future presidents and introduces a one-term limit. It hands over greater power to a figure similar to that of a prime minister, officially called the president of the council of ministers. This individual will either be the leader of the party that secures the majority during the legislative elections; or the leader of the winning coalition of parties.
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The opposition fears the role could become an avenue for Gnassingbé to extend his grip on power. Togo’s recent history has been dominated by the Gnassingbé clan which has ruled since 1967.Late on March 25, Togolese lawmakers adopted a new constitution introduced by members of the ruling party which transitions the West African nation from a presidential to a parliamentary system. However, the mandate of some of these MPs was set to expire late last year. The opposition argues that a constitutional reform demands a referendum. Some 4.2 million Togolese were registered to vote in the April 20 elections.
