Togo Adopts New Constitution, Shifting Power Dynamics

The new constitutional changes in Togo transform the presidential system into a parliamentary one, significantly altering the power structure and potentially extending President Gnassingbé's rule.

• Togo's revised constitution introduces a parliamentary system where the president is elected by parliament, reducing the president's direct electoral power.
• The new system divides executive power between the president of the republic and the president of the council of ministers, with the latter holding significant governing authority.
• Recent constitutional changes have sparked protests and opposition claims of a 'constitutional coup', reflecting deep divisions over the shift in governance.
• The constitutional overhaul could enable President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his tenure, potentially bypassing term limits by shifting roles within the government.
• The changes come amidst concerns over democratic backsliding in Togo, with the opposition and some civil groups decrying the lack of a public referendum on the amendments.

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