Togo’s ruling party, the Union for the Republic (UNIR), has emerged as the overwhelming frontrunner in preliminary results from last week’s municipal elections. The party secured 1,150 seats, accounting for 75.3% of the votes a strong advantage over its closest rivals, the National Alliance for Change (ANC) with 51 seats, and the Union of Forces for Change (UFC) with 38.
These were the first municipal elections held since a recent constitutional reform, which critics say could pave the way for President Faure Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely. The timing has fueled speculation about democratic backsliding in the West African nation.
Election day saw notably low turnout, with many polling stations in the capital Lomé appearing deserted. The subdued participation came on the heels of violent crackdowns on protests against Gnassingbé in late June, raising concerns about civic space and voter intimidation.
While UNIR’s victory appears decisive, the results remain preliminary. Competing political parties have five days from the announcement to contest the outcome, before it’s made official by the electoral authority.
