Togo is set to hold its first-ever senate elections on February 2, 2025, marking one of the final steps toward implementing a controversial new constitution, the government announced on Thursday.
The constitutional overhaul introduces a parliamentary system, abolishing the election of the head of state by universal suffrage. Critics, including opposition and civil society groups, have condemned the reform as a ploy by President Faure Gnassingbe to retain power indefinitely.
Gnassingbe, 57, has ruled the West African nation of 8.8 million people since 2005, following the death of his father, who governed for 38 years. Under the previous constitution, Gnassingbe would have been eligible to run for one final term as president in 2025.
However, the reform transforms the presidency into a largely ceremonial role, elected by parliament for a four-year term. It also creates the position of president of the council of ministers—a role Gnassingbe is expected to assume. This new position comes with no term limits, allowing him to remain in power as long as his Union for the Republic (UNIR) party retains its parliamentary majority.
The creation of a senate was first proposed in a 2002 constitutional reform but was never implemented. According to the new constitution, senators will review bills before they are passed to lawmakers for adoption.
Two-thirds of the senate will be elected by regional and municipal councillors, with the remaining third appointed directly by the president. Campaigns for senate seats will run from January 17 to January 31, according to a government statement.
The government has framed the constitutional changes as a way to promote greater representation. However, opposition groups argue that the reforms consolidate power in the hands of Gnassingbe and his party, which currently holds 108 out of 113 seats in the national assembly.
Attempts by the opposition to protest the reforms have largely been stifled by authorities, with political rallies banned in Togo since 2022.
Once the senate elections are completed, Togo will officially enter its fifth republic, signaling a new phase in the country’s political structure amidst widespread controversy.
