Togo’s 2024 Constitutional Reform: Political Controversy and Opposition

Togo’s 2024 constitutional reform proposes a shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system, sparking opposition claims of a constitutional coup. Critics, including opposition leaders, argue this undermines democracy, while the ruling party defends the changes as enhancing governance and participation.

Togo is currently facing significant political controversy due to its proposed constitutional reform in 2024, which aims to switch the governance structure from a presidential system to a parliamentary one. In this new framework, it is lawmakers, rather than the general populace, who will choose the head of state, leading to widespread opposition and discontent among various political factions and civil society groups.

Opposition leaders have strongly criticized the reform, characterizing it as a blatant violation of the constitution. Jean-Pierre Fabre, President of the National Alliance for Change (ANC), condemned the decision, asserting, “Enough is enough, it’s over. We’re going to fight. Everyone knows that they violated Articles 52 and 59 (of the constitution).”

David Dosseh, the spokesperson for the Front Citoyen Togo Debout (FCTD), echoed these sentiments, likening the situation to a constitutional coup d’état. He stated, “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, from the ‘Don’t Touch My Constitution!’ Front, reaffirmed the opposition’s rejection of the new constitution.

Conversely, members of the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party have defended the reforms, suggesting that they promote increased democratic participation and governance. Lawmaker Kouméalo Anaté remarked, “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.”

Vice President of the UNIR parliamentary group, Sénou Soklingbé, dismissed concerns that the reforms would allow the president to maintain indefinite control. He clarified, “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 summary, Togo’s controversial constitutional reform of 2024 has provoked substantial opposition amidst claims of a constitutional coup and fears of democratic regression. While opponents argue the reform undermines constitutional integrity, government officials assert it enhances democracy. The situation remains dynamic as both sides prepare for potential confrontations regarding the reform’s implications for Togo’s political future.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com