Togo's ruling party secures senate victory amid controversial constitutional reforms

In a significant political development, Togo's ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party, led by President Faure Gnassingbé, has secured a decisive victory in the recent Senate elections. Provisional results released on February 16, 2025, indicate that UNIR won 34 out of the 41 contested seats.

The election, held on February 15, 2025, involved 1,706 municipal and regional lawmakers casting their votes. This event marks the culmination of a series of constitutional reforms initiated by President Gnassingbé, aimed at restructuring Togo's political framework. Notably, these reforms propose the abolition of direct presidential elections, transferring executive powers to a newly established position: the President of the Council. This role will be appointed by the ruling party, effectively shifting significant authority from the presidency to the council.

The opposition parties largely boycotted the Senate elections, criticizing the reforms as a strategic move to consolidate President Gnassingbé's grip on power. Having ascended to the presidency in 2005 following his father's death, Gnassingbé was previously limited to one more term in 2025 under the old constitution. The new system, however, is perceived by critics as a mechanism to extend his influence indefinitely.

In the legislative elections of April 2024, UNIR demonstrated its political dominance by securing 108 out of 113 seats in the National Assembly. With the Senate now established, the combined legislative bodies are poised to elect the President of the Council, further entrenching the ruling party's authority. An additional 20 Senate seats are expected to be appointed by the Prime Minister, solidifying UNIR's control over the legislative process.

The electoral process has faced scrutiny due to restrictions on media coverage. Foreign journalists were denied accreditation to cover both the Senate and earlier legislative elections, limiting independent observation and raising concerns about transparency.

These developments signify a pivotal shift in Togo's political landscape, with the ruling party consolidating power amidst opposition boycotts and constitutional changes that redefine the nation's governance structure.