Togo: Senatorial elections postponed from February 2 to 15

Togo’s first senatorial elections, initially set for February 2, 2025, have been rescheduled to February 15 to allow political actors more time to prepare, per a presidential decree issued on December27 evening. This election is a key step in implementing the new Constitution, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and Civil society.
The decree, announced via state media, confirms the new election date as Saturday, February 15, 2025, with the campaign period running from midnight January 30 to 11:59 p.m. February 13. The postponement follows requests from political parties for an extension to submit candidacy files.
Opposition groups, including the National Alliance for Change (ANC), plan to boycott the elections, labeling them part of a “constitutional coup d’état” aimed at consolidating the ruling party’s power under the guise of reform.
The Senate, created by a 2002 amendment but never activated, will include 61 members: 41 elected by regional and municipal councilors and 20 appointed by the President of the Council of Ministers. Critics argue the new Constitution, which replaces direct presidential elections with a parliamentary system, is designed to perpetuate President Faure Gnassingbé’s rule.
Faure Gnassingbé, head of the Union for the Republic (UNIR), has governed since 2005, succeeding his father’s 38-year rule. UNIR dominated the April 2024 legislative elections, winning 108 of 113 seats. Critics assert the new system erodes democratic accountability and entrenches dynastic control over Togo’s governance.
With roughly 8 million citizens, Togo approaches a pivotal moment as debates over governance and constitutional reform intensify.

About Geraldine Boechat 2958 Articles
Senior Editor for Medafrica Times and former journalist for Swiss National Television. former NGO team leader in Burundi and Somalia