Togo: Postponement of legislative and regional elections, reduction in candidate deposits

The legislative and regional elections initially scheduled for April 13, 2024, in Togo have been postponed by a week to April 20, according to a decree released on Saturday, February 24, 2024, by the Government Secretariat.

In addition to the change in the election date, the decree also announces a significant reduction in the required deposits for candidates.

The deposit for candidates in the legislative elections is now set at 300,000 XOF, while it is 150,000 XOF for female candidates.

These amounts have been reduced compared to the initially established sums, which were 500,000 XOF and 250,000 XOF, respectively.

The change in the voting date also has implications for the electoral campaign schedule, which will now take place from April 4 to April 18, 2024.

Additionally, early voting for law enforcement is scheduled for April 17.

According to the official statement, these adjustments were made by the government in response to the request of political actors, who regularly convene in the Permanent Consultation Framework (CPC).

These measures likely aim to facilitate candidate participation by reducing the financial burdens associated with candidacy while addressing the concerns expressed by political actors within the CPC.

Chantal TAWELESSI