In a move labeled by some as a constitutional coup, lawmakers in Togo have given final approval to changes in the constitution linked to presidential term limits and the election process. The amendments, which were adopted by the parliament on March 25, were met with opposition from politicians and civil society groups.

President Faure Gnassingbe responded to the backlash by calling for further consultations and a second parliamentary vote. On Friday, just days before the April 29 legislative elections - which were delayed due to the constitutional amendments - the lawmakers approved the reforms.

Under the new system, the president will no longer be elected by universal suffrage, but rather by members of parliament. Additionally, the amendments introduce a parliamentary system of government and reduce presidential terms from five to four years with a two-term limit. Notably, the changes do not take into account the time already spent in office.

Critics of the reforms claim that they could pave the way for further extensions of Gnassingbe's rule, which has already spanned 19 years. Concerns have also been raised about his family's grip on power, as his father Gnassingbe Eyadema came to power through a coup in 1967.

The opposition coalition, Dynamique Pour la Majorité du Peuple (DMP), and other signatories denounced the changes as a political maneuver to enable Gnassingbe to extend his tenure indefinitely. They referred to the approved amendments as a "coup d'etat" and vowed to organize large-scale action to voice their opposition.

On the other hand, a lawmaker from Gnassingbe's ruling UNIR party expressed satisfaction with the constitutional changes, describing them as a step towards a more inclusive and participatory democracy.

However, a group of 17 civil society organizations condemned the amendments, labeling them as an attempt by the regime to confiscate power and resist democratic change. They also called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take action in response.

Togo's political landscape is not unique in terms of constitutional changes. Several other African countries, such as the Central African Republic, Rwanda, Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, have also witnessed such alterations that allow presidents to extend their terms in office.

It is worth noting that West and Central Africa have experienced eight military coups in the past three years, highlighting the political volatility in the region. Furthermore, violent police crackdowns on political demonstrations have been commonplace under Gnassingbe's rule.

Faure Gnassingbe, who won a disputed landslide victory in the 2020 election, could potentially remain in power until 2033 if re-elected in 2025, given the absence of term limits in the amendments. The new constitution also establishes the position of president of the council of ministers, granting extensive authority to manage government affairs.