A recent audit by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) has declared Togo’s electoral register “reliable” in preparation for the upcoming legislative and regional elections.

The audit, conducted by three experts in Lomé from October 20 to 27, 2023, aimed to assess the transparency and accuracy of the electoral register. Togo, led by President Faure Gnassingbé since 2005, is gearing up for crucial elections that have heightened political tensions.

The ruling party, Union for the Republic, faces a challenge from a mobilized opposition. The audit, initiated at the request of Togolese authorities, adopted a collaborative approach involving the electoral commission, OIF experts, representatives of major political parties, and Togolese civil society.

The findings, presented during a press conference by Désiré Nyaruhirira, special adviser to the Secretary of La Francophonie, concluded that the electoral register is sufficiently reliable to facilitate the upcoming elections under conditions of trust.

The audit report was officially handed over to Dago Yabré, the president of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). This development is significant as the Togolese opposition has historically contested the electoral register in the lead-up to elections.