Togo elections on 17 July elected leaders for 117 municipalities in nationwide municipal polls.
Security forces deployed across major cities ahead of the elections as tensions escalated following opposition-led protests on 16 July 2025.
The elections follow a constitutional reform in May 2024, shifting Togo to a parliamentary system.
Furthermore, President Faure Gnassingbé was appointed President of the Council of Ministers (PCM) in May 2025.
This role holds executive power and has no term limits, sparking outrage.
Approximately 4.5 million voters were registered for the election, according to Togo’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).
TOGO PROTESTS ESCALATE BEFORE VOTE
Youth-led protests erupted in Lomé in late June 2025, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Faure Gnassingbé.
Demonstrators clashed with police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds.
The civil society coalition Togo Debout reported seven deaths, including two minors.
The discovery of bodies in lagoons near Lomé prompted calls for an international investigation.
The government attributed deaths to drowning, citing seasonal flooding risks.
Togo’s Catholic bishops urged independent enquiries into alleged abuses.
BOYCOTT CALLS
Opposition parties condemned the reforms as a “constitutional coup” in joint statements.
Opposition leaders rejected the election as illegitimate, criticising the constitutional reforms as a strategy to consolidate the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party’s dominance.
The June 6 Citizens Movement (M66) launched in early June 2025 in response to the new constitution, leading online protest campaigns and calling on Togolese youth to mobilise against the regime.
International arrest warrants targeted M66 activists abroad, including in France and the United States (US).
Security Minister Calixte Madjoulba announced that authorities were actively investigating M66 activists and had issued international arrest warrants against them for “inciting unrest”, while Territorial Administration Minister Hodabalo Anate labelled the movement’s protest calls as “acts of subversion” tantamount to terrorism.
ELECTIONS DAY TURNOUT AND NEXT STEPS
Early voting for security forces occurred on 14 July 2025 to ensure election day readiness.
Observers noted calm at polling stations but warned of underlying tensions nationwide.
Supporters of the ruling UNIR party continue to advocate for national stability, highlighting progress under President Faure Gnassingbé.
Opposition leaders stressed the need for democratic accountability and local governance reform.
The election outcome will test Gnassingbé’s popularity amid growing dissent.
In addition, results are expected within days, with international observers monitoring closely.
WILL TOGO’S ELECTION RESULTS SIGNAL CHANGE OR CEMENT DYNASTIC RULE?
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