Togo lawmakers give final approval to new constitution amid opposition fears

Togo lawmakers on Friday gave final approval to a constitutional reform that switches to a parliamentary system that triggered criticism from opposition parties who say it allows President Faure Gnassingbe to keep a grip on power.

The approval came days before April 29 legislative elections in Togo, where the opposition dismissed the reform as a "constitutional coup" for creating a new prime minister-style post they say will allow the Togolese leader to avoid term limits to stay in office.

Togo's parliament had already adopted the new constitution on March 25, but Gnassingbe asked lawmakers to vote again after the reform sparked political tensions.

The second reading was passed with 87 lawmakers present all agreeing to the new system.

Opposition parties see the amendment as a way to extend the mandate of Gnassingbe, who has been in power since 2005 after succeeding his father who himself ruled the small West African state for nearly four decades.

The current constitution would only allow the Togolese leader to run for one last term in 2025.

Under the new constitution, Togo adopts a parliamentary system, leaving lawmakers to elect the president which would become a largely ceremonial role with a four-year term.

(AFP)

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