By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Security and defence forces, as well as paramilitary officials and members of the operational reserve, on Monday cast their ballots in early voting, in Togo’s capital Lome ahead of the municipal elections.
The special vote was organised to allow them to fulfil their civic responsibility so that they will be available to provide security services during the general election scheduled for July 17.
Reports say the voting process went smoothly in the polling station in a strictly orderly environment.
“There hasn’t been a single incident. So far, everything is going well, and they are voting calmly,” the polling station President, Poutouli Pisseyem, said. “They follow all our instructions,” he added.
This early vote marks the official kick-off of a highly anticipated municipal election, watched closely by both the political class and a public caught between hope and caution.
Campaigns have started in full swing as political parties and independent candidates make rounds to win over voters.
Supporters of the ruling party, UNIR, are focused on consolidating progress.
“Go vote, vote for UNIR, because we need continuity in the work already being done,” said Geneviève Amégnaglo, a local UNIR delegate.
On the opposition side, some leaders insist on maintaining their presence despite boycott calls from parts of civil society.
“To improve living conditions, the opposition must take part and show what it’s capable of,” opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre noted.
Togo’s electoral commission (CENI) said a total of 494 candidates have been approved for the municipal election.
