A coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups in Togo has called for an indefinite postponement of the municipal elections scheduled for July 17, 2025. The demand was issued in a joint statement by the National Alliance for Change (ANC), the Democratic Forces for the Republic (FDR), and two civic organizations, Novation Internationale and the Togolese Citizens’ Front Debout.

The groups argue that the current political climate is unsuitable for free and fair elections, citing recent protests sparked by what they describe as the illegitimate creation of a Fifth Republic. According to the statement, the government unilaterally amended the 1992 Constitution without public consultation, a move seen by the opposition as an attempt to consolidate President Faure Gnassingbé’s hold on power. Gnassingbé has led the country since 2005.

The statement also calls for an independent international investigation into the violent suppression of protests held in late June. The opposition demands that those responsible — including members of the security forces and unidentified armed actors — be identified and held accountable in court, along with those who directed or enabled them.

The coalition reports that the protests resulted in significant violence:

“At least seven people were killed, many remain missing, hundreds were injured, and numerous arrests were made. Under such conditions, organizing an election is unrealistic — the atmosphere necessary for peaceful and credible voting simply does not exist”

In addition to the postponement, the opposition is pressing for urgent electoral reforms to address what they describe as serious legal and technical flaws in the voting system. They argue that without these reforms, public confidence in the electoral process will remain deeply undermined.

“The July 17 elections must be delayed to allow time for meaningful political dialogue and reform,” the statement concludes. “Only then can transparency, fairness, and public trust be restored”