Democratic issues: Togo at the time of legislative and regional elections

April 29, 2024, marks a decisive day for Togolese voters as they head to the polls for legislative and regional elections. With 4.2 million voters and no fewer than 2,352 candidates in the running, this day is of crucial importance, aiming to elect 113 members of parliament as well as, for the first time, 179 regional councilors for the Senate, according to information provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

Despite persistent security challenges in some parts of the country, the electoral campaign, which ran from April 13 to 27, generally took place in a peaceful atmosphere. The Togolese government demonstrated its commitment to a transparent and fair democratic process by allocating 650 million CFA francs to support political parties during this crucial period.

The 14,271 polling stations will be open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow voters to exercise their right to vote. To ensure voter safety, the 2024 Legislative and Regional Elections Security Force (FOSELR 2024) has been deployed, consisting of 12,000 gendarmes and police officers. The country's land borders will remain closed from midnight to 11:59 p.m. to maintain a climate of calm during the electoral process.

Observation missions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), and the African Union (AU) are on site to oversee the electoral process. They will be assisted by civil society actors, all mobilized to ensure the transparency of voting and counting operations.

Preliminary results are expected later this week, marking a key step in Togo's democratic process.

THE EMISSARY