Summary
Togo held municipal elections with low voter turnout following recent protests against constitutional reforms. The protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with leader Faure Gnassingbe's extended rule and the arrest of a popular rapper calling for demonstrations.
Key Facts
- Togo held municipal elections with low turnout.
- Recent protests criticized constitutional reforms and Gnassingbe’s long rule.
- Seven protesters died during these protests.
- Heavy police and military presence was seen in Lome during elections.
- Faure Gnassingbe has ruled Togo since 2005.
- The constitutional reforms change the presidential system to a parliamentary one.
- Critics of the reforms labeled them a "constitutional coup."
- Public demonstrations in Togo have been banned since protests in 2017-2018.
