Togo’s opposition rejects constitutional reforms

The leader of Togo’s largest opposition party says it will never accept the constitutional reforms approved recently by parliament. The new constitution leaves the election of the president to parliament. Togo will hold legislative and regional polls on April 29. A government official told VOA recently the elections will provide an opportunity for Togolese voters to deliver a verdict on the new constitutional reform. Jean-Pierre Fabre, leader of the National Alliance for Change (ANC), Togo’s largest opposition party, VOA’s James Butty, the opposition will resume protests soon after the election because the new constitution is intended to maintain President Faure Gnassingbe in power who, together with his late father, have ruled Togo for over 50 years.