Togo's municipal elections witnessed significant voter apathy, especially in the capital Lome, following unrest from recent protests. Public grievances stemmed from constitutional reforms perceived as enabling President Gnassingbe to extend his power indefinitely, raising concerns of a constitutional coup. Heavy security presence heightened citizens' unease, as many feared attending polling stations would provoke either police retaliation or public backlash. Activists documented deaths during prior protests, further fueling skepticism about the legitimacy of the electoral process and prompting calls for election boycotts by civil society and social media influencers.
Polling stations in Togo's capital Lome were largely deserted on Thursday, following a rise in public anger over constitutional changes that could extend leader Faure Gnassingbe's rule indefinitely.
Despite a call for demonstrations against Gnassingbe, the streets of the seaside capital were quiet on Thursday due to heavy police and military presence, with citizens fearing for their safety.
Critics labeled the recent constitutional reforms as a constitutional coup, allowing Gnassingbe to be re-elected indefinitely after transitioning to a parliamentary system.
Activists accused police of causing the deaths of seven marchers during last month's protests, which highlighted widespread voter apathy and distrust in the electoral system.
Collection
[
|
...
]