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Togo President Faure Gnassingbe wins fourth term, according to provisional results

Togo President Faure Gnassingbe wins fourth term, according to provisional results

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe has won a fourth term in power, according to provisional results declared by the national electoral commission (Ceni). 

The national electoral commission declared on Monday, as his main rival accused authorities of fraud.

He took 72 percent of the vote share in the first round of the presidential election, Ceni said, far ahead of former prime minister Agbeyome Kodjo, with 18 percent, who had also claimed victory after Saturday's vote.

The widely expected win extends more than a half century of dynastic rule over the former French colony by Gnassingbe's family despite broad disillusionment over its failure to drag many out of poverty.

Gnassingbe has led the country of eight million people since taking over in 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled with an iron fist for 38 years.

In May, he oversaw an overhaul of the constitution that allowed him to run this year -- and potentially remain in office until 2030.


Gilbert Barawa, minister of public functions and a strong supporter of the president, described the result as "an unprecedented score" for the president, who was elected with 58 percent of the vote five years ago.

"Faure Gnassingbe has made a great breakthrough in formerly difficult areas," he said.

Hours before the official results were announced, Kodjo, who was prime minister under Gnassingbe's father, had declared his own victory as "democratically elected president" with between 57 and 61 percent of the vote.

He promised to form his own "inclusive government in the coming days", accusing authorities of using ballot stuffing and fake polling stations to skew the results in the incumbent's favour.

Kodjo had emerged as a dark horse challenger in the race after winning the backing of an influential former Catholic archbishop.

Stability and security

The authorities banned hundreds of local observers from monitoring Saturday's election and cancelled the system of electronic security at the last moment.

Some 300 international observers were deployed, mainly from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, with many African states supporting the incumbent.

Six opposition challengers had suggested they would unite against Gnassingbe if he failed to win an outright majority and the election had proceeded to a second round.

In 2017 and 2018, Togolese authorities faced major protests demanding an end to the family's five-decade rule.

Despite economic growth of around five percent, around half of Togo lives on less than $1.90 per day.

But the demonstrations faded in the face of government repression and squabbles among the opposition.

Stability and security were central to the president's message as jihadist violence rocks northern neighbour Burkina Faso.

Togo has so far managed to prevent the bloodshed spilling over and its army and intelligence service are considered to be among the most effective in the region.

(AFP)
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe has won a fourth term in power, according to provisional results declared by the national electoral commission (Ceni). 

The national electoral commission declared on Monday, as his main rival accused authorities of fraud.

He took 72 percent of the vote share in the first round of the presidential election, Ceni said, far ahead of former prime minister Agbeyome Kodjo, with 18 percent, who had also claimed victory after Saturday's vote.

The widely expected win extends more than a half century of dynastic rule over the former French colony by Gnassingbe's family despite broad disillusionment over its failure to drag many out of poverty.

Gnassingbe has led the country of eight million people since taking over in 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled with an iron fist for 38 years.

In May, he oversaw an overhaul of the constitution that allowed him to run this year -- and potentially remain in office until 2030.


Gilbert Barawa, minister of public functions and a strong supporter of the president, described the result as "an unprecedented score" for the president, who was elected with 58 percent of the vote five years ago.

"Faure Gnassingbe has made a great breakthrough in formerly difficult areas," he said.

Hours before the official results were announced, Kodjo, who was prime minister under Gnassingbe's father, had declared his own victory as "democratically elected president" with between 57 and 61 percent of the vote.

He promised to form his own "inclusive government in the coming days", accusing authorities of using ballot stuffing and fake polling stations to skew the results in the incumbent's favour.

Kodjo had emerged as a dark horse challenger in the race after winning the backing of an influential former Catholic archbishop.

Stability and security

The authorities banned hundreds of local observers from monitoring Saturday's election and cancelled the system of electronic security at the last moment.

Some 300 international observers were deployed, mainly from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, with many African states supporting the incumbent.

Six opposition challengers had suggested they would unite against Gnassingbe if he failed to win an outright majority and the election had proceeded to a second round.

In 2017 and 2018, Togolese authorities faced major protests demanding an end to the family's five-decade rule.

Despite economic growth of around five percent, around half of Togo lives on less than $1.90 per day.

But the demonstrations faded in the face of government repression and squabbles among the opposition.

Stability and security were central to the president's message as jihadist violence rocks northern neighbour Burkina Faso.

Togo has so far managed to prevent the bloodshed spilling over and its army and intelligence service are considered to be among the most effective in the region.

(AFP)

Africa: Two sides claim victory in Togo vote as challenger cries foul

Africa: Two sides claim victory in Togo vote as challenger cries foul

Lome (AFP) - Two sides have claimed victory in Togo's presidential election as the main challenger to incumbent Faure Gnassingbe cried foul, citing "revelations of fraud".

The national electoral commission Ceni has yet to announce results from Saturday's election, which passed off peacefully in the West African nation.

But Gilbert Bawara, minister of public functions and a strong supporter of the president, told AFP Sunday: "The lead of President Faure Gnassingbe is well above 50 percent, and even more than 60 percent.

"Victory is assured but it is up to the Ceni to independently proclaim the results," he added. "We are optimistic and anticipate a clear victory in the first round" of voting.

A source in the president's office added that "UNIR (the ruling party) has held on to all its traditional strongholds and has even done better everywhere, including in difficult areas in the south and in Lome."

A widely expected win by the incumbent would extend more than a half century of dynastic rule over the former French colony by Gnassingbe's family despite broad disillusionment over its failure to drag many out of poverty.

Agbeyome Kodjo, who was prime minister under Gnassingbe's father, had emerged as a dark horse challenger looking to stop Gnassingbe's bid for a fourth term in office, after winning the backing of an influential former Catholic archbishop.

He invited journalists to his home late Saturday to claim a thumping victory for himself while alleging fraud.

"Considering the revelations of fraud which marked this ballot, it is impossible for the outgoing candidate to be elected in the first round," Kodjo said, adding that he based his assertion on 60 percent of the results.

"I have the conviction that in the coming week, I will lead this country," he said, describing the vote as a "veritable tsunami" in his favour.

After voting ended on Saturday, troops briefly surrounded Kodjo's home and that of the former Lome archbishop, Monsignor Philippe Kpodzro, a move the authorities said was for their "own safety".

Bawara played down Internet cuts and disruption to social media networks since vote counting began on Saturday, laying blame on mobile telephone operators Togocel and Moov and remarking: "These things happen."

Kodjo claimed the authorities had used ballot stuffing to skew the results in the incumbent's favour.

He said figures from various polling stations showed he was in the lead in the capital Lome and the coastal region and had "good scores" in other areas.

The election commission has promised to release the official results on Monday.

- Situation calm -

Gnassingbe has led the country of eight million people since taking over in 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled with an iron fist for 38 years.

The situation around Lome was calm Sunday morning, an AFP journalist reported. Internet connections appeared to be sporadically interrupted however.

The authorities banned hundreds of local observers from monitoring the election and cancelled the system of electronic security at the last moment.

Some 300 international observers were deployed, mainly from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, with many African states supporting the incumbent.

Six opposition challengers have suggested they will unite against Gnassingbe if he fails to win an outright majority and the election goes to a second round.

In 2017 and 2018, Togolese authorities faced major protests demanding an end to the family's five-decade rule.

Despite economic growth of around five percent, around half of Togo lives on less than $1.90 per day.

But the demonstrations faded in the face of government repression and squabbles among the opposition.

In May, Gnassingbe oversaw an overhaul of the constitution that allowed him to run this year -- and potentially remain in office until 2030.

Stability and security are central to the president's message as jihadist violence rocks northern neighbour Burkina Faso.

Togo has so far managed to prevent the bloodshed spilling over and its army and intelligence service are considered to be among the most effective in the region.

Lome (AFP) - Two sides have claimed victory in Togo's presidential election as the main challenger to incumbent Faure Gnassingbe cried foul, citing "revelations of fraud".

The national electoral commission Ceni has yet to announce results from Saturday's election, which passed off peacefully in the West African nation.

But Gilbert Bawara, minister of public functions and a strong supporter of the president, told AFP Sunday: "The lead of President Faure Gnassingbe is well above 50 percent, and even more than 60 percent.

"Victory is assured but it is up to the Ceni to independently proclaim the results," he added. "We are optimistic and anticipate a clear victory in the first round" of voting.

A source in the president's office added that "UNIR (the ruling party) has held on to all its traditional strongholds and has even done better everywhere, including in difficult areas in the south and in Lome."

A widely expected win by the incumbent would extend more than a half century of dynastic rule over the former French colony by Gnassingbe's family despite broad disillusionment over its failure to drag many out of poverty.

Agbeyome Kodjo, who was prime minister under Gnassingbe's father, had emerged as a dark horse challenger looking to stop Gnassingbe's bid for a fourth term in office, after winning the backing of an influential former Catholic archbishop.

He invited journalists to his home late Saturday to claim a thumping victory for himself while alleging fraud.

"Considering the revelations of fraud which marked this ballot, it is impossible for the outgoing candidate to be elected in the first round," Kodjo said, adding that he based his assertion on 60 percent of the results.

"I have the conviction that in the coming week, I will lead this country," he said, describing the vote as a "veritable tsunami" in his favour.

After voting ended on Saturday, troops briefly surrounded Kodjo's home and that of the former Lome archbishop, Monsignor Philippe Kpodzro, a move the authorities said was for their "own safety".

Bawara played down Internet cuts and disruption to social media networks since vote counting began on Saturday, laying blame on mobile telephone operators Togocel and Moov and remarking: "These things happen."

Kodjo claimed the authorities had used ballot stuffing to skew the results in the incumbent's favour.

He said figures from various polling stations showed he was in the lead in the capital Lome and the coastal region and had "good scores" in other areas.

The election commission has promised to release the official results on Monday.

- Situation calm -

Gnassingbe has led the country of eight million people since taking over in 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled with an iron fist for 38 years.

The situation around Lome was calm Sunday morning, an AFP journalist reported. Internet connections appeared to be sporadically interrupted however.

The authorities banned hundreds of local observers from monitoring the election and cancelled the system of electronic security at the last moment.

Some 300 international observers were deployed, mainly from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, with many African states supporting the incumbent.

Six opposition challengers have suggested they will unite against Gnassingbe if he fails to win an outright majority and the election goes to a second round.

In 2017 and 2018, Togolese authorities faced major protests demanding an end to the family's five-decade rule.

Despite economic growth of around five percent, around half of Togo lives on less than $1.90 per day.

But the demonstrations faded in the face of government repression and squabbles among the opposition.

In May, Gnassingbe oversaw an overhaul of the constitution that allowed him to run this year -- and potentially remain in office until 2030.

Stability and security are central to the president's message as jihadist violence rocks northern neighbour Burkina Faso.

Togo has so far managed to prevent the bloodshed spilling over and its army and intelligence service are considered to be among the most effective in the region.

Home of Togo opposition candidate surrounded by security forces, says government

Home of Togo opposition candidate surrounded by security forces, says government

Lome (AFP) - The home of a key Togo opposition candidate was surrounded by security forces just hours after polls closed Saturday in elections widely expected to see President Faure Gnassingbe claim a fourth term in power.

Troops could be seen outside the house of Agbeyome Kodjo, considered an important challenger in the electoral race, as the government confirmed the move and said it was for "his own safety".

"We are largely in the lead everywhere, my house is surrounded by soldiers," Kodjo told AFP.

A large contingent of security forces were blocking all access to the property in the capital Lome, according to AFP journalists at the scene.

Military roadblocks were being put up elsewhere in the city, while internet connections appeared to be sporadically interrupted.

Polls closed at 1600 GMT Saturday after what had been a peaceful election day with a moderate turnout.

Gnassingbe, who was running against six other candidates, has led the West African country of eight million people since 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled with an iron fist for 38 years.

Kodjo is seen as a potential dark horse in the polls after winning the backing of an influential former Catholic archbishop.

A former prime minister who served under Gnassingbe's father, he appeared to have gained ground during the electoral campaign.

"The Togolese want change, they want an alternative," he said early Saturday as he voted in Lome.

"And when we see all this mobilisation and all the methods of fraud put in place by the government, if at the end of the election, the government dares to say that it has won, imagine the rest."

The Togo security minister Yark Damehame said both Kodjo's home and that of the former archbishop had been surrounded as a precaution.

"We have received reports that he is at risk of an attack on his house by unruly individuals, but I cannot tell you from which side," he said.

- Opposition challenge -

Results are expected early next week according to electoral officials.

The six opposition candidates have suggested they will unite against the president if the vote goes to a second round, which would happen within 15 days of the result announcement if none of the candidates achieves a majority.

Gnassingbe travelled to the family's home region of Kara to vote, and called on Togolese to "express your choice in complete freedom for the sake of democracy".

Main opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre of the National Alliance for Change came second at the last two elections but has failed to keep the opposition united.

He called on the people to vote in numbers "to prevent fraud and allow for a second round".

In Be, an opposition district of Lome that normally goes to Fabre's ANC party, some voters shouted to observers that they had "given our votes to Agbeyome".

The authorities faced major protests in 2017 and 2018 demanding an end to five decades of dynastic rule that have failed to lift many out of poverty.

But the demonstrations petered out in the face of government repression and squabbles among the opposition.

Last year, Gnassingbe pushed through constitutional changes allowing him to run again -- and potentially remain in office until 2030.

In Lome earlier in the day some voters expressed hope for change.

"We suffer too much in Togo, this time it has to change," said Eric, a driver in his 30s.

"I am not going to tell you who I will vote for, but this time we don't want to be cheated of victory."

- Observers removed -

This week, 500 local observers lost their accreditation, accused of interfering in the electoral process, and the system of electronic security of the results was cancelled at the last moment by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

However, some 315 international observers are deployed, mainly from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, with many African states supporting the incumbent.

"Where we were, the offices opened on time, the voters were there, the staff and the equipment were there, so we hope everything will continue to go well," Hery Rajaonarimanpianina, head of the AU mission and former Madagascar president, told AFP earlier.

Stability and security are central to Gnassingbe's message as Togo eyes the jihadist violence rocking its northern neighbour Burkina Faso.

The country has so far managed to prevent the bloodshed spilling over and its army and intelligence service are among the most effective in the region.


Lome (AFP) - The home of a key Togo opposition candidate was surrounded by security forces just hours after polls closed Saturday in elections widely expected to see President Faure Gnassingbe claim a fourth term in power.

Troops could be seen outside the house of Agbeyome Kodjo, considered an important challenger in the electoral race, as the government confirmed the move and said it was for "his own safety".

"We are largely in the lead everywhere, my house is surrounded by soldiers," Kodjo told AFP.

A large contingent of security forces were blocking all access to the property in the capital Lome, according to AFP journalists at the scene.

Military roadblocks were being put up elsewhere in the city, while internet connections appeared to be sporadically interrupted.

Polls closed at 1600 GMT Saturday after what had been a peaceful election day with a moderate turnout.

Gnassingbe, who was running against six other candidates, has led the West African country of eight million people since 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled with an iron fist for 38 years.

Kodjo is seen as a potential dark horse in the polls after winning the backing of an influential former Catholic archbishop.

A former prime minister who served under Gnassingbe's father, he appeared to have gained ground during the electoral campaign.

"The Togolese want change, they want an alternative," he said early Saturday as he voted in Lome.

"And when we see all this mobilisation and all the methods of fraud put in place by the government, if at the end of the election, the government dares to say that it has won, imagine the rest."

The Togo security minister Yark Damehame said both Kodjo's home and that of the former archbishop had been surrounded as a precaution.

"We have received reports that he is at risk of an attack on his house by unruly individuals, but I cannot tell you from which side," he said.

- Opposition challenge -

Results are expected early next week according to electoral officials.

The six opposition candidates have suggested they will unite against the president if the vote goes to a second round, which would happen within 15 days of the result announcement if none of the candidates achieves a majority.

Gnassingbe travelled to the family's home region of Kara to vote, and called on Togolese to "express your choice in complete freedom for the sake of democracy".

Main opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre of the National Alliance for Change came second at the last two elections but has failed to keep the opposition united.

He called on the people to vote in numbers "to prevent fraud and allow for a second round".

In Be, an opposition district of Lome that normally goes to Fabre's ANC party, some voters shouted to observers that they had "given our votes to Agbeyome".

The authorities faced major protests in 2017 and 2018 demanding an end to five decades of dynastic rule that have failed to lift many out of poverty.

But the demonstrations petered out in the face of government repression and squabbles among the opposition.

Last year, Gnassingbe pushed through constitutional changes allowing him to run again -- and potentially remain in office until 2030.

In Lome earlier in the day some voters expressed hope for change.

"We suffer too much in Togo, this time it has to change," said Eric, a driver in his 30s.

"I am not going to tell you who I will vote for, but this time we don't want to be cheated of victory."

- Observers removed -

This week, 500 local observers lost their accreditation, accused of interfering in the electoral process, and the system of electronic security of the results was cancelled at the last moment by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

However, some 315 international observers are deployed, mainly from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, with many African states supporting the incumbent.

"Where we were, the offices opened on time, the voters were there, the staff and the equipment were there, so we hope everything will continue to go well," Hery Rajaonarimanpianina, head of the AU mission and former Madagascar president, told AFP earlier.

Stability and security are central to Gnassingbe's message as Togo eyes the jihadist violence rocking its northern neighbour Burkina Faso.

The country has so far managed to prevent the bloodshed spilling over and its army and intelligence service are among the most effective in the region.


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