Togo: Legislative elections to be held in December

Event

The National Electoral Commission (CENI) announced on Wednesday, August 29, that the legislative elections will be held on December 20. Ahead of the elections, the government announced the establishment of a special security force made of 8000 police officers to maintain peace and ensure the security of people and goods throughout the country, ahead, during, and after the legislative elections, as well as to secure political rallies, polling stations, electoral material, and political figures.

An increase in demonstrations and political rallies is anticipated in the weeks leading up to the vote, particularly during the election campaign. Clashes between protesters and security personnel are possible.

Context

Togo has been affected by months of protests between August 2017 and 2018 to demand the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, as well as the re-introduction to the 1992 constitution, along with the organization of a referendum on constitutional amendments. At least 16 people have been killed and around 200 wounded during the protests. While nothing has been done in this regard, legislative elections could trigger again mass protests.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all potential protests as violence cannot be ruled out.