Togolese President, Faure Gnassingbé Photo: AFP
Togo ’s parliament has voted a constitutional change allowing President Faure Gnassingbe, whose family has ruled the small West African country since 1967, to run two more terms and potentially remain in power until 2030 .
In 2005 , Gnassingbe succeeded his father , General Gnassingbe Eyadema , who seized power in a coup more than 50 years ago and ruled with an iron fist till his death.
All 90 lawmakers present voted late Wednesday to approve the change . One other lawmaker was absent .
The new law now caps presidents to serving two terms, but also means Gnassingbe can stand for the next two elections , in 2020 and 2025 , as it does not apply retroactively .
“The President of the Republic is elected by universal suffrage… for a term of five years , renewable once ,” the new text of the constitution read , which also made the presidential election a two-round race .
Gnassingbe’s party hold two- thirds of the seats in parliament, but other parties are also close to the president . The main opposition boycotted elections last year .
In Togo , constitutional changes are adopted if four -fifths of lawmakers – 73 or more — vote for it.
Lawmakers also changed the rules for their own mandate , meaning they can now hold their seats for two terms of six years each.
Before, they had a mandate of five years but with an unlimited number of terms.
The opposition opposed the reforms, and last year , demonstrators demanded Gnassingbe step down during dozens of marches .
But the 14 -party opposition coalition refused to take part in December elections , condemning the playing field as skewed , leaving parliament in the hands of Gnassingbe’s party.
Togo becomes the latest in several African nations to change the constitution to extend presidential terms .
Separately , Togo ’s government on Thursday also announced that local council elections will be held on June 30 , the first time elections for the 1 ,527 positions have been held since 1987 .
The mayoral post is appointed directly by the national president.
( AFP )