AU, ECOWAS, and CEN-SAD Commend Togo's Smooth and Transparent Electoral Process

Politics

Thursday, 02 May 2024 15:57

AU, ECOWAS, and CEN-SAD Commend Togo's Smooth and Transparent Electoral Process

(Togo First) - Observer missions from the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and CEN-SAD praised the smooth and transparent conduct of Togo's legislative and regional elections on April 29th.

AU's Positive Assessment

Ambassador Calixte Aristide Mbari, leading the AU Electoral Observation Mission, met with President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé on April 30th. The AU mission, present since April 21st, expressed satisfaction with the elections, highlighting their potential to strengthen democracy, peace, and national stability. Ambassador Mbari noted the increasing participation of women in the process, stating, "We are pleased with these discussions and we hope that the results can contribute to democratic consolidation, peace, and stability in the country."

Le Président de la République, @FEGnassingbe a reçu ce 30 avril 2024, une délégation de la Mission d’observation électorale de l’ @_AfricanUnion (MOE UA) conduite par l’Ambassadeur Calixte Aristide Mbari.https://t.co/LIf24T3eDw pic.twitter.com/OiELV4xYKJ
— Présidence Togolaise/Togolese Presidency (@PresidenceTg) April 30, 2024

CEN-SAD's Approval of Transparency

The CEN-SAD mission, led by Sangaré Youssouf, praised the elections as "free, fair, and transparent." They commended the quality of electoral materials and the setup of polling stations for ensuring transparency and confidentiality. The professionalism of security forces was particularly acknowledged for guaranteeing a smooth voting process.

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ECOWAS Praises Youth Engagement

President Faure Gnassingbé welcomed the ECOWAS Electoral Observation Mission, led by former Gambian Vice President Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang. The ECOWAS mission highlighted the transparent nature of the electoral process, emphasizing the presence of all stakeholders and effective communication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Mrs. Jallow-Tambajang noted the significant participation of voters, especially the youth, facilitated by effective communication strategies. "All stakeholders were present, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) ensured effective communication, facilitating massive participation of voters, especially the youth," she reported.

La Mission d’observation électorale de la @ecowas_cedeao a partagé, ce 30 avril 2024, avec le Président de la République, @FEGnassingbe les conclusions de sa mission au Togo dans le cadre du double scrutin législatif et régional.https://t.co/5i6fJoCIZd pic.twitter.com/iaPrchLj4c
— Présidence Togolaise/Togolese Presidency (@PresidenceTg) April 30, 2024

The preliminary results of the elections will be released gradually, marking the renewal of the National Assembly with 113 deputies and the election of 179 regional councilors for the first time.

REFORMS OVERVIEW

STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)

At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

Compared to some years ago when it was one of the lowest rankers under the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator, Togo, leveraging many efforts to improve its business climate, was able to jump significantly on the index in the recent years... .

CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

In comparison to previous years,Togo has significantly improved its ranking under the“Trading across borders” indicator by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

After moving from the 133rd to 127th place under the 2020 Doing Business’ construction permit index, Togo intends to reiterate this feat in the coming edition of the global ranking. To this end, it has introduced this year multiple reforms.

GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)

Over the past two years, Togo’s ranking under the Doing Business’ Getting electricity and water indicator has increased consistently. Owing this performance to multiple reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water, Lomé plans to introduce even more reforms this year to keep up its improvements.

REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)

Out of all the 'Doing Business’ indicators, Property Registration is where Togo has improved the most since 2018. Indeed, after spending years in the lowest part of this ranking, the country now seeks to beat Rwanda which is the best performer on this index in Africa. To do so, Lomé has been introducing many reforms, with the latest batch implemented this year.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

From professionalization to digitization, through legislative regulations, Togo’s public procurement framework is constantly being modernized. Several reforms have been implemented to improve the sector much to the benefit of the private sector, which is the focus of the National Development Plan.

PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)

To improve its business environment, Togo introduced some important reforms related to the payment of tax and duties. From the replacement of some taxes to the cancellation of others through exemptions, the country has only one objective: offer the most attractive tax framework to investors and economic operators. To achieve this, the authorities relied on digitization.