Regional observers say Togo legislative vote 'free, fair'

Lome: Togo s legislative election was free, fair and transparent, regional electoral observers said on Tuesday, a day after the small West African s...

Lome: Togo's legislative election was "free, fair and transparent," regional electoral observers said on Tuesday, a day after the small West African state voted for new lawmakers and regional deputies.

Electoral authorities have yet to release initial results from Monday's vote, which came after lawmakers passed a divisive constitutional reform that critics say will extend President Faure Gnassingbe's grip on power.

Togo's military initially put Gnassingbe in power nearly two decades ago after the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the Gulf of Guinea nation for almost four decades.

On Monday, Togolese took part in the first vote since the adoption of the new constitution that created a prime minister-style post opposition parties believe will allow Gnassingbe to evade term limits.

Observers from the regional group Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) noted concerns about how some ballots were annulled and how voters were still queueing up as polling stations closed.