Togo : Parliament Adopts New Constitution

Togolese lawmakers on Monday, March 25, 2024 adopted a new constitution moving the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system and giving parliament the power to elect the president. According to the new text, the president will henceforth be chosen “without debate” by lawmakers “for a single six-year term”, and not by the public. The vote comes less than a month before the next legislative elections in the country slated for April 2024. It is not yet known when the change which was approved with 89 votes in favour, one against and one abstention will be promulgated into law.
The new constitution also introduces the position of “President of the Council of Ministers” with “full authority and power to manage the affairs of the government and to be held accountable accordingly”. The President of the Council of Ministers can be, “the leader of the party or the leader of the majority coalition of parties following the legislative elections. The position will be held for a six-year term”, according to the text. “The Head of State is practically divested of his powers in favour of the President of the Council of Ministers, who becomes the person who represents the people of the Republic of Togo abroad, and who effectively leads the country in its day-to-day management,” Tchitchao Tchalim, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Constitutional Laws, Legislation and General Administration told the French TV channel France24. The new text...