Authorities in Togo have arrested nine politicians raising questions about a new constitution that could allow President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his 19-year rule.
This is coming as opposition voices are becoming louder in the West African nation over constitutional ammendments that could alter how the president is elected.
According to an opposition coalition spokesperson Thomas Nsoukpoe on Thursday, some of its members were apprehended on Wednesday afternoon while they were campaigning against the constitution at a market in the Togolese capital, Lome.
Some others were arrested at night during a meeting at the house of an opposition member.
Opposition parties in Togo commenced their campaign after the national assembly adopted the new constitution that allows for a single term in office. It however lengthens presidential terms by one year to 6 from 5.
The new constitution which introduces a parliamentary system of government states that the president will no longer be elected by the collective vote of the masses but through a vote, by members of parliament.
Opposition members say, this arrangement may enable Faure Gnassingbe to stay in power until 2031 if he is re-elected in 2025.
The president’s office on Wednesday called off regional and parliamentary elections initially slated for April 20, and announced nationwide consultations on the revision of the constitution.
Many opposition parties condemned this decision and called for demonstrations on April 11, 12 and 13.
“As the electorate has been convened by decree, it is not possible to suspend the electoral campaign and postpone the elections by means of a simple announcement,” they said in a statement on Thursday.