Togo marks a historic turning point with the adoption of a new constitution, which establishes the transition to a parliamentary system of government. This major reform profoundly redefined the architecture of power, relegating the President of the Republic to an essentially honorary role, while the President of the Council became the central figure of the executive.
A President of the Republic with a Ceremonial Function
From now on, the President of the Republic will no longer be elected by universal suffrage, but appointed by Parliament, comprising the National Assembly and the Senate. This new provision enshrines the primacy of legislative power in the structuring of institutions. The Head of State, stripped of his executive prerogatives, will above all embody national unity and the continuity of the State, in the image of classic parliamentary systems.
Power concentrated in the hands of the Chairman of the Board
In this new institutional balance, the real power will lie with the President of the Council. Drawn from the parliamentary majority, he will be responsible for leading the government and implementing public policy. This transition to a parliamentary system is intended to strengthen the accountability of those in power to the elected representatives of the people, and to guarantee greater political stability.
A Reform with Major Implications
The move to a parliamentary system is part of a drive to modernize Togolese institutions. While its supporters see it as a democratic advance designed to better reflect parliamentary dynamics, some observers remain cautious about the impact of this overhaul on the balance of power and the evolution of governance.
It remains to be seen how this transformation will play out in the country's political life, and whether it will reinforce democratic participation and the much-needed institutional stability.
Editorial staff
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