Overview of Togo’s Controversial 2024 Constitutional Reform

Togo’s 2024 constitutional reform has prompted widespread political controversy as it shifts from a presidential to a parliamentary system where lawmakers will elect the head of state. This amendment has elicited strong opposition, with critics alleging a constitutional coup and threats to democracy. The government defends the reform as a step towards enhanced democratic participation.

Togo has ignited significant political controversy with its proposed 2024 constitutional reform, which transitions the country from a presidential system to a parliamentary one. In this new system, lawmakers, rather than the electorate, will hold the power to elect the head of state. This shift has provoked fierce opposition from both political leaders and civil society, who have described the changes as a constitutional coup and raised alarms about democratic decline.

Opposition leaders, including Jean-Pierre Fabre, President of the National Alliance for Change, have vocally criticized the reform, asserting it violates constitutional provisions. “Enough is enough, it’s over. We’re going to fight. Everyone knows that they violated Articles 52 and 59 (of the constitution),” Fabre proclaimed. Similarly, David Dosseh, spokesperson for the Front Citoyen Togo Debout, condemned the reform, declaring, “Today, there’s a constitutional coup d’état taking place with impunity in Togo. But this time, we’re not going to accept it.”

Brigitte Kafui Adjamagbo-Johnson, a prominent member of the ‘Don’t Touch My Constitution!’ Front, echoed the opposition’s sentiments. “We do not recognise this constitution. However, if they insist and present it to us, our response is very simple,” she remarked, signaling ongoing resistance from various civic groups.

In contrast, the ruling party, the Union for the Republic (UNIR), has staunchly defended the reforms, arguing they will foster democratic participation and enhance governance. Lawmaker Kouméalo Anaté stated, “Togo has just opened a new page in its march towards a country that is, shall we say, an even more inclusive and participatory democracy.” Additionally, Vice President of the UNIR parliamentary group, Sénou Soklingbé, dismissed fears that the reform would enable the president to consolidate power indefinitely, explaining, “No one can say that everything is done to ensure that the President of the Republic, if he were to become the President of the Council tomorrow, remains indefinitely in power. It is the majority of the National Assembly that determines who will be the President of the Council.”

In conclusion, Togo’s 2024 constitutional reform has stirred intense debate and opposition, raising concerns regarding the integrity of the democratic process. Opponents view the changes as a grave violation of constitutional rights, while supporters argue for the reform’s democratic potential. The ongoing tensions reflect deeper issues of governance and civil society’s role in Togo’s political landscape.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com