AFRICA/TOGO - Archbishop emeritus of Lomè: "The Constitution is the path of salvation for democracy"

Thursday, 25 October 2018

SMA

Lomè (Agenzia Fides) - On the occasion of the reopening of dialogue between the Government and the opposition, Archbishop emeritus Mgr. Philip Fanoko Kpodzro, who led the transitional parliament in Togo, had launched an appeal to President Faure Gnassingbé.
Due to the fact that after several weeks, and now months, demonstrations against the regime of President Gnassingbé continue in Lomè, Mgr. Fanoko presented the proposal for a return to the 1992 Constitution, as the "true path of salvation for a peaceful democratic process" and invited Gnassingbé to agree not to run for the 2020 elections. The prelate stated that "this long text it is not directed against a person" and that "continuing to resist the eventuality of a return to this Constitution is harmful".
Mgr. Philippe Fanoko Kpodzro is a figure of the 'transition' of the '90s, who is appreciated throughout Togo. Bishop for 42 years, was chosen in July 1991 to preside over the Office of the National Conference proclaimed 'sovereign' by the participants. After this meeting, he was elected President of the High Council of the Republic, the parliament of transition.
Under the aegis of this institution the Constitution was written, adopted with the referendum on October 14, 1992 with just over 98% of the votes cast.
The Archbishop stands as a defender of the 1992 Constitution. "In all humility I ask for the rehabilitation of the 1992 Constitution in its entirety, with all its legal implications, and enriching it where necessary. This implies that our Head of State, correctly and worthily completes his current mandate, and agrees to no longer run for the 2020 elections", said Mgr. Fanoko.
"The situation is particularly complicated and difficult. The government does everything to stay in power ... in eternity", a local source told Fides.
In the meantime, the Togolese population began the census on 1 October in view of the parliamentary elections scheduled for 20 December. This was announced by the President of the Electoral Commission, Kodjona Kadanga, stating that the development of a new national electoral database is necessary before going to the polls. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 25/10/2018)


Share: