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Parliamentary elections may signal change for the better in Togo

On October 14th 2007, 95% of the 3,000,000 eligible voters in Togo participated in the mid-term parliamentary elections, selecting 81 new Members of Parliament from 2,150 candidates, representing all Togolese opposition parties [1]. According to the over 3,000 independent observers from ECOWAS and the EU who observed the election, there were no serious disturbances in the electoral process [2], marking this as the first transparent and peaceful election since the government was seized in a coup organized by Gnassingbe Eyadema in 1967 [3].  Despite support from outside sources, however, the Togolese opposition group Union des Forces de Changement (UFC) claims that governing party RPT’s win of over half the seats in parliament was the result of a flawed election. Since the election outcome has been made public, UFC has claimed that during the course of the voting process, ballot boxes were tampered with, fake election cards were passed out, and some voting papers were destroyed [4]. Other than these accusations, both the Togolese people and the international community see this election as a success, not only in that it supports civil society in Togo, but also in that it serves as a beginning to repair Togo’s relationship with other democratic states.

In 1967, former president Gnassingbe Eyadema took power through a violent coup. He held this position through disputed elections through 2005, during which time he used his power to prevent civil society and opposition actions. As a result of this “deficit of democracy”, in 1993 the EU and other international organizations cut political and financial ties with the country, withdrawing aid until transparent and peaceful elections were held again [5].

It is our belief at the IIJD that transparent, fair, and successful elections are the key for a democratic state to prosper. In order for an election to comply with these guidelines, five factors must be established: (1)-an independent national electoral commission to run and oversee the elections, (2) - a fair, just, and transparent electoral law, (3)-free and open media coverage for all candidates, (4)-a registered body of citizens with unrestricted access to media coverage, and (5)-the ability for candidates or party to campaign freely in all areas of the country. The most recent Togolese electoral process abided by four of these factors.  It is unclear whether there was unrestricted media coverage during this election. Although, unlike the violent 2005 elections, during which there were many complaints of restricted media coverage, there has been no mention during this election of media restrictions or lack of coverage[6]. Considering the apparent success of this recent electoral experience, it appears that Togo is dedicated to encouraging the development of a sustained democratic civil culture.

Finally, the IIJD believes that these parliamentary elections hold great promise for Togo’s interactions with the international community. First and foremost, the establishment of fair and transparent government in Togo will hopefully rebuild Togo’s relationship with the rest of the international community. According to Joao Melo de Sampaio, head of the EU delegation in Togo, these elections “could lead to the full resumption of EU cooperation with Togo” [7].

Furthermore, Togo has an opportunity to rebuild its credibility internationally, depending on the manner in which the ruling government deals with the UFC’s charges regarding flaws during the election. If these charges are thoroughly and transparently researched by an independent organization, and the conclusions reached therein are treated seriously and respectfully by both the opposition and governing parties, regardless of their outcome, then Togo will be granted the chance to securely cement their image as a thoroughly democratic state, supportive of multi-party politics and civil society action.

Furthermore, Togo has an opportunity to rebuild its credibility internationally, depending on the manner in which the ruling government deals with the UFC’s charges regarding flaws during the election. If these charges are thoroughly and transparently researched by an independent organization, and the conclusions reached therein are treated seriously and respectfully by both the opposition and governing parties, regardless of their outcome, then Togo will be granted the chance to securely cement their image as a thoroughly democratic state, supportive of multi-party politics and civil society action.