Togo: Ruling party wins municipal elections despite low turnout

A lackluster victory for the Union for the Republic

The presidential party, Union for the Republic (UNIR), won the majority of seats in the municipal elections held on July 20. However, this victory was marred by a historically low turnout, estimated at 28% according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

A tense vote

Low-key campaign and voter distrust

The election campaign, which received little media coverage, failed to attract large crowds. Several observers have pointed to growing distrust of the electoral process, as well as voting conditions that the opposition considers lacking transparency.

The opposition is almost absent

Some opposition parties boycotted the election, denouncing the electoral divisions deemed favorable to the ruling party. The few independent or dissident lists carried little weight against the ruling party's electoral machinery.

Local issues but a political signal

A locked political recomposition

With this victory, UNIR confirms its hold on local authorities, strengthening its control over all administrative processes. For many analysts, this election confirms the absence of a credible change in the short term.

Legitimacy weakened by abstention

While the government emerges institutionally strengthened, the decline in turnout raises questions about the democratic legitimacy of the newly elected officials. This dynamic of attrition could weigh heavily on the approach of the next national elections.