President Faure Gnassingbe to secure Togolese dynasty with new constitution: summary

What we know

• Togo lawmakers have adopted a new constitution that will allow President Faure Gnassingbe who has already served almost 20 years in office to remain in power until 2031.
• The constitution which was approved by 89 out of 91 lawmakers has been passed by lawmakers and now awaits President Gnassingbe's final approval.
• The new constitution increases the presidential term from five to six years which will allow President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his 19-year rule by a year longer than previously expected.
• It also introduces a one-term presidential limit making him eligible to run for one term (6 years) in the 2025 elections and remain in power till 2031.
• His almost 20-year rule after taking over from his father would not count. While this one-term limit will weaken future presidents, it could extend Gnassingbe’s rule.
• Some legal experts argue that the new constitution restricts future presidents' power by introducing a one-term limit.
• The Gnassingbe family has maintained a tight grip on Togo's presidency since 1967 when Gnassingbe Eyadema seized power in a coup. Following his death in 2005, his son, Faure Gnassingbe, succeeded him, continuing the family's political dynasty.

What they said

"This is the umpteenth preparation of a constitutional coup by a monarchical regime that has held the country's destiny hostage for almost 60 years," one of Togo's opposition parties, the Democratic Forces of the Republic said.