Over four million people are expected to vote in Togo’s parliamentary regional representatives’ elections.

These elections occur amid increased political tension following the approval of a contentious new constitution earlier this month and subsequent crackdowns on opposition protests.

Critics argue that these developments could enable President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his family’s lengthy hold on power. In contrast, the president’s ruling Union for the Republic party asserts that the new system enhances democracy and representation. 

The opposition, which previously boycotted the 2018 elections, aims to use this election to challenge the government. The government on the other hand is seeking to maintain its majority with targets of 113 parliamentary and 179 regional council seats.

There are 2,352 National Assembly candidates and 2,312 regional council candidates contesting in these elections.

Former Vice President of The Gambia, Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, is leading the ECOWAS Observation Mission to Togo for today’s parliamentary regional representatives’ elections.

Sankulleh Janko has more in this report