Togo’s ruling party wins sweeping majority in legislative elections

Togo’s ruling Union for the Republic party (UNIR) has won a sweeping majority in the country’s legislative elections held on 29 April.

Provisional results published late Saturday by the electoral commission showed it had won 108 out of the 113 seats in parliament.

Voting took place against the backdrop of heightened political tension following the approval earlier in April of a controversial new constitution and a series of crackdowns on opposition protests.

The results pave the way for President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his 19-year rule, under the new charter.

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