Togo: New Constitutional law now enacted
On May 6th, President Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, Head of State of the Republic of Togo, promulgated the law amending the Togolese constitution, thus facilitating its entry into force in Togo.
This comes two weeks after its adoption in the second reading by the elected representatives of the people in the National Assembly.
Among the reforms introduced in this fundamental law, is the removal of the direct universal suffrage presidential election.
The parliament now has the power to elect the head of state “without debate” for a term of four (04) years, renewable once.
This constitutional law transition changes Togo from a semi-presidential regime to a parliamentary regime and creates a new position at the helm of the country, that of the Prime Minister who will be the guarantor of the executive power, derived from the majority in the National Assembly or from a minority party in a coalition.
According to proponents of this constitutional reform, this is a way to significantly reduce the costs of elections in general in Togo.
Furthermore, the new constitution will, among other things, strengthen democracy in the country, ensure better protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, establish a balance of powers, and make institutions more effective and representative.
It is also noteworthy that with the promulgation of this fundamental law, Togo has entered into a new Republic, moving from the 4th to the 5th Republic.
Kodjovi Makafui
