As the results of Togo’s legislative and regional elections held on April 29th trickle in, the ruling party, UNIR, celebrates its lead while the opposition cries foul over alleged irregularities.
While the outcomes of Togo’s April 29th elections slowly emerge, the opposition, particularly the Dynamic for the Majority of the People (DMP), continues to decry the malpractices observed during the voting process.
Brigitte Kafui Adjamagbo-Johnson vows to utilize all available legal avenues to contest the results, as she explains to our correspondent in Lomé, Peter Sassou Dogbé.
“We’ve observed widespread abuse of proxy voting throughout the country. Apart from proxy voting, there have been numerous instances of ballot stuffing nationwide. These are just a few examples of the massive fraud we’ve witnessed. We have evidence to support these claims, and we will pursue legal recourse against those involved in these maneuvers.”
Meanwhile, UNIR, the ruling party, which is reportedly leading according to initial trends, expresses satisfaction with its performance. Pascal Bodjona, the newly appointed political advisor to the president, credits the party’s strong showing to its consistent presence on the ground. Regarding allegations of fraud, Bodjona asserts that the appropriate authorities will investigate thoroughly.
“Those who possess evidence of fraud should, at the appropriate time, bring their cases to the relevant electoral dispute resolution bodies. Even in Lomé, UNIR achieved an exceptional and historic result, despite allegations of fraud in what has long been considered an opposition stronghold. I believe UNIR’s success is a result of diligent groundwork and undoubtedly, the populace has been swayed by the longstanding actions undertaken.”
As the electoral landscape in Togo unfolds, with accusations and celebrations echoing in equal measure, the true test lies ahead as legal challenges and investigations seek to untangle the complexities of the electoral process.