Togo: Legislative elections likely to break ruling Gnassingbe grip on power

Togo has begun voting in a twice-delayed legislative elections – elections that are likely to significantly loosen the ruling party’s grip on power, given the mounting discontent with the West African nation’s long-ruling family dynasty.

Eyadema Gnassingbe came to power through a coup and governed Togo from 1967 until his death in 2005, when his son Faure Gnassingbe took over following a hastily arranged election.

Faure Gnassingbe has governed since, but frustration with the government has spurred protests even in the family’s northern strongholds.

The electoral commission says nearly 1,200 candidates are vying for the legislature’s 91 seats.

Voting began shortly after the scheduled 7 a.m. (3:00 a.m. EDT) start time. Many voters arrived two hours early.

Source: Associated Press