AFRICA/TOGO - “Peaceful legislative elections with high number of voters” says Catholic Archbishop of Lome

Lome (Agenzia Fides)- “The elections were peaceful and the situation is calm: there is hope for the future” said Archbishop Denis Komivi Amuzu-Dzakpah of Lomé, capital of Togo, where legislative elections were held yesterday 14 October.
Unlike elections in 2003, this time Oppositions parties took place. Following the death of President Gnassingbé Eyadéma, in February 2005, and the election of his son Faure Gnassingbé Eyadéma, Togo is in a stage of transition. International observers view Sunday's vote with the participation of all parties positively. The local press says the President led the country to elections in a climate of calm, respecting the 22 points of a plan drafted by the European Union, signed together with opposition parties, which foresees, among other things, a national unity government and a reform of the judiciary system. The European Union, Togo's main economic donor, strongly criticised fraud in the last elections.
The Catholic Church in Togo has also helped to foster harmony and peace in the run up to the elections. “In view of the elections the Catholic Bishops' Conference issued a message underlining the importance of respect for justice and peace and the necessity of national reconciliation. The message was well received by all” the Archbishop told Fides.
According to the independent electoral commission, 2,974,718. eligible voters were called to elect 81 members of parliament from 2,100 candidates belonging to 32 different parties. To guarantee free and fair elections voters were given “bio-metric” voting papers, and 3,500 local and foreign observers were deployed.
The Catholic community is also present with a special Justice and Peace Commission to monitor the vote counting, Archbishop Amuzu-Dzakpah explained. The government reassured that voters displaced by floods in recent weeks that they will be able to place their vote.
There was massive participation in the election, with long queues at the polling stations tome as long as 3,000 voters. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/10/2007 righe 28 parole 360)