Togo votes in parliamentary election testing support for proposal that could keep dynasty in power

By ERICK KAGLAN
Associated Press

LOME, Togo (AP) — People in Togo have voted in parliamentary elections that tested support for a proposed new constitution that would scrap presidential elections and give lawmakers the power to choose the president. The opposition and religious leaders say the legislation is an effort by President Faure Gnassingbe to prolong his rule. He has been in office since 2005 and succeeded his father, meaning the West African nation has been ruled by the same family for 57 years. Some 4.2 million Togolese are registered to vote in the country of about 8 million people. Monday’s election will decide 113 parliamentary seats and 179 senatorial positions. Authorities cracked down on civic and media freedoms before the vote. Preliminary results were expected within six days.