Opposition voices are growing in the tiny phosphate-producing country over constitutional reform that could change the way the president is elected.

Togo jails opposition leaders over protest calls

By REUTERS More by this AuthorNine Togolese politicians who were running a campaign against a new constitution that could allow President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his 19-year rule have been arrested, a spokesperson for an opposition coalition said on Thursday.
Opposition voices are growing in the tiny phosphate-producing country over constitutional reform that could change the way the president is elected.
Some members of the opposition coalition were detained on Wednesday afternoon while they were campaigning against the constitution at a market in the suburbs of Togolese capital Lome, spokesperson Thomas Nsoukpoe said.
AdvertisementUnder the new constitution, which introduces a parliamentary system of government, the president will no longer be elected by universal suffrage, but by members of parliament.
In reaction to opposition voices, the president's office on Wednesday announced nationwide consultations on the revision of the constitution and delayed parliamentary and regional elections initially scheduled for April 20.