The Gnassingbe family has ruled Togo since 1967, leading to widespread calls for change among the populace. Highly anticipated local government elections are occurring after weeks of protests demanding President Faure Gnassingbe's resignation. Togo is strategically important as a maritime and transit hub, particularly due to the port in Lome. Security presence is heightened, with some borders closed, as voters head to polls while protests by the youth escalate. Previous demonstrations have resulted in violence, with reports of deaths at the hands of security forces, highlighting ongoing unrest in the nation.
Tensions are palpable in Togo as highly anticipated local government elections are held following weeks of angry protests calling for leader Faure Gnassingbe to resign.
Voters heading out to cast their ballots on Thursday, July 17, are expected to elect leaders of the country's 117 municipalities, amid a heavier-than-usual security presence and shuttered land borders.
Protests have been met with brute force from Togolese security forces; at least seven people have died, local rights groups say.
Demonstrators have scheduled protests in the capital, Lome, to intentionally clash with the date of the vote, prompting fears of possible widespread violence.
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