Politics & Government Guide in Togo

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Togo transitioned to a parliamentary system in 2024 under a new constitution, with lawmakers electing the largely ceremonial president for a single six-year term. Real executive power lies with the President of the Council of Ministers, held by Faure Gnassingbé of the dominant UNIR party following their landslide victory in the April 2024 elections. The ruling party controls 108 of 113 National Assembly seats, consolidating long-term family rule amid opposition concerns over democratic backsliding.

Government Type

Parliamentary republic

Legal System

Civil law system based on French law

Head of State

President Faure Gnassingbé(since 2005)

Head of Government

President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé(Union for the Republic)since 2024

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:National Assembly (113 seats)

Major Political Parties

Union for the Republic(UNIR)

Ruling party

108 seats

Alliance of Democrats for Integral Development(ADDI)

Opposition

2 seats

Voting Rights

Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over in legislative and regional elections

Recent Developments

New constitution adopted March 2024 shifting from presidential to parliamentary system
Parliamentary elections held April 29, 2024, with UNIR winning 108 of 113 seats
Faure Gnassingbé sworn in as President of the Council of Ministers in 2024
Introduction of regional elections concurrent with parliamentary vote in 2024

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution2024

Regions5

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