Togo votes in parliamentary elections ahead of proposed controversial reforms

By ERICK KAGLAN
Associated Press

LOME, Togo (AP) — Togolese voters headed to the polls on Monday to vote in the country’s parliamentary elections, which will test support for a proposed new constitution that would scrap future presidential elections and give lawmakers the power to choose the president instead. The opposition and the clergy say the legislation is an effort by President Faure Gnassingbe to prolong his rule. It was passed by lawmakers in late March and is close to being enacted. Authorities have cracked down on civic and media freedoms ahead of the vote.