Togo’s “Hands Off My Constitution” Front Purges Three Member Parties

The “Hands Off My Constitution” Front has expelled three member parties, citing their failure to align with the front’s progressive orientations.

The expelled parties, ADDI, Santé du Peuple, and UDS-Togo, were deemed to no longer meet the front’s demands and had adopted political views contrary to the front’s common directions and objectives.

This move comes as Togo has entered its 5th republic, following the adoption of a new constitution by parliamentarians. The new constitution strengthens Togo’s democracy and introduces a parliamentary system with more decentralized power.

The New Constitution: Key Features

The new constitution places the National Assembly and the Senedd at the heart of the institutions, with elected representatives electing the President of the council and the President of the Republic.

The President of the Council has real power, leading the country’s policy and accountable to parliament, while the President of the Republic serves as a guarantor of national unity, moral authority, and guide for all stakeholders.

The new constitution also introduces an authority for transparency and governance, recognizes the Mediator of the Republic as a citizen’s defender, and strengthens accountability with parliamentarians having more control power.

Implications of the New Constitution

The new constitution is expected to bring more stability to the political system, as the government is the result of the majority, and accountability is strengthened with parliamentarians having more control power.

The front’s decision to expel the three member parties is seen as a move to maintain a clear and coherent political line in the face of Togo’s current challenges.