Togo Bars Observer Group From Monitoring Election
Muhammad Irfan Published February 19, 2020 | 10:50 PM
Lome, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Feb, 2020 ) :Togo's election authorities on Wednesday barred a main independent observer group from monitoring an upcoming poll expected to see President Faure Gnassingbe extend his family's decades-long rule.
The West African nation of 8 million holds a presidential ballot on Saturday with Gnassingbe cruising towards a fourth term in office after shrugging off a wave of opposition protests.
The leader took over in 2005 after the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who led with an iron fist for 38 years after seizing power in a coup in 1967.
The electoral commission said it had cancelled the accreditation of the National Consultation of Civil Society of Togo to field their 500 observers nationwide, accusing the coalition of "preparing to carry out interference" in the vote.
The authorities have already blocked monitors from the Catholic Church from observing the election.
Gnassingbe and his allies maintain a stranglehold over the country and critics insist that the vote will not be free and fair.
A wave of major protests swept the country in 2017 and 2018 demanding that Gnassingbe leave power.
A tough government crackdown and splits among the opposition saw the demonstrations fizzle out.
The president pushed through constitutional changes in May allowing him to stand again this year -- and potentially remain in power to 2030.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Dar for joint action to counter Islamophobia in context of Israeli aggression ag ..
Azam Tarar urges for effective implementation of Action Plan for Human Rights
PAF cadets' graduation ceremony held
One-day national seminar "Great Power Competition: Challenges and Opportunities ..
10 firms submit LoIs for PIA: Aleem Khan
Saudi Arabia launches Nusuk pilgrim card for the Hajj of 2024
High Commissioner Hawkins hosts reception to mark 'Australia Day in Spring'
PM forms inquiry committee to probe matter of wheat import
E-Evidence system inaugurated in Bahawalnagar district courts
Bitterness at UCLA as Gaza protest cleared
Kenya, Tanzania brace for cyclone as heavy rains persist
DC reviews seven-day anti-polio drive in Federal Capital
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Experts for ending child labour
2 days ago -
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
2 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
4 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
5 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
5 days ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
6 days ago
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
7 days ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
7 days ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
10 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
11 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
11 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
12 days ago