The European Union on Wednesday called on Togo to hold fair elections in June after President Gnassingbe Eyadema — Africa’s longest-ruling leader — secured the right to seek another term in office.
The EU ”urges the Togolese Authorities to ensure that the forthcoming presidential elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner,” a statement said.
The statement was issued in Greece which holds the current presidency of the EU. Eyadema (64) has ruled the West African nation since a coup in 1967. Last December, the country’s legislature amended the constitution, allowing him to run in elections in June.
”The EU is willing to support the electoral preparations in Togo, provided that a broad-based agreement between the political forces has been reached on the conditions for democratic elections,” the EU statement said.
Togo, a small, agriculture-dependent country on the south Atlantic, is plagued with political unrest and accusations of rights abuses from international organisations. Most international aid to the country is frozen.
The European Union imposed lasting sanctions in 1993 following allegations that security forces opened fire on democracy activists, killing about 20 people. – Sapa-AFP