Togo lawmakers have approved a new constitution proposed by members of the ruling party, marking a transition for the West African nation from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
The opposition in the country, which abstained from participating in the last legislative elections in 2018 and has recently criticised “irregularities” in the electoral census, has minimal representation in the national assembly.
One significant alteration introduced by the new constitution is that legislators will now elect the president of the republic for a sole 6-year term.
The role of “president of the council of ministers” has been newly established, granting the holder “full authority and power to manage the affairs of the government.”
This position will be held either by “the leader of the party that secures the majority during the legislative elections” or by the leader of the winning coalition of parties.
The president of the council of ministers will serve a six-year term.
MPs will be elected through universal suffrage, directly and in secret, for a renewable term of six years.
The new Constitution was endorsed partially by lawmakers whose mandate was set to expire late last year.
The timing of when the changes will take effect remains uncertain.
The upcoming parliamentary election is scheduled for April 20th, coinciding with regional elections, with approximately 4.2 million Togolese registered to vote.
Togo’s recent history has been predominantly shaped by the Gnassingbe clan, which has held power since 1967.
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