The authorities deny authorizations for demonstrations against the constitutional reform
April 10 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Government of Togo has set this Tuesday, through the Council of Ministers, the new date for the legislative and regional elections, which will take place on Monday, April 29, after the elections have been delayed on at least two occasions.
The Council of Ministers, which was attended by the Togolese president, Faure Gnassingbé, has “examined and adopted the decree for the restructuring of the electoral calendar”, so that the electoral campaign will begin this Saturday, April 23, at 00:00 hours (local time, 10:00 p.m. Spanish peninsular time) and will end two weeks later, on Saturday, April 27 at 11:59 p.m. (9:59 p.m. Spanish peninsular time).
“Our country is preparing to organize the first regional elections in its history, to complete the decentralization architecture with regional councils that will have capacities aimed at promoting the development of the territories and contributing to the improvement of the living conditions of the populations,” reads a statement from the Presidency of Togo.
Likewise, he explained that “the adopted decree will allow the newly elected regional councilors to settle, establishing the procedures for calling their first meeting and the mandate, as well as the general framework of the internal regulations of the regional council.”
PROHIBITION OF DEMONSTRATIONS
This announcement comes after the Minister of Territorial Administration, Hodabalo Awaté, announced that he will not authorize the planned demonstrations against the constitutional reform, which has caused political tensions in the African country, and the delay in the calling of elections.
“The organizers have been duly notified that the planned demonstrations cannot take place on the announced dates (April 11, 12 and 13),” the minister indicated in a letter sent to the calling parties and organizations, alleging that this call does not respect the law that establishes the conditions for the exercise of freedom of assembly.
Awaté has mentioned the provision according to which the notice must be submitted within five business days prior to the celebration of the event and regarding the itineraries of the marches, since paved roads, markets and shopping centers should not be used, according to The Togo news portal Breaking News has reported.
The authorities have accused the groups of wanting to challenge the security forces, extend the demonstration throughout the city and attack the homes of parliamentarians. Thus, they have considered that the attitude of the organizers can cause serious disturbances of public order and attacks against people or property.
“To avoid endangering the safety of citizens and their property, the Government invites organizers to act with restraint and respect the rules. Any offender will be responsible for their actions in accordance with the laws of the country,” they noted.
These elections were to be held in December, then they were announced for April 13 and later postponed to April 20. The latest postponement was announced after the adoption of a draft new Constitution that transforms the current presidential system into a parliamentary one, now granting the Chamber the power to elect the president.
Gnassingbé succeeded his father, Gnassigbé Eyadema, in 2005, when he died after almost four decades in power. In Togo, all presidential elections organized since 1990 have been boycotted by the opposition, registering waves of violence, especially in 2005.
