Following pressure from African leaders, Togo's President Faure Gnassingbé has announced on Friday that new elections will be held within 60 days. Mr. Gnassingbé was selected as the successor of his father Gnassingbé Eyadéma , Africa's longest serving leader, who passed away two week ago. Mr. Gnassingbé's selection with the army's help — in contrast to the process outlined by the Togolese constitution — has drawn sharp criticisms from world leaders and Togo's population. Despite his decision to hold elections the criticism continued. On Saturday Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo , the chairman of Economic Community of West African States , said that Togo faces "immediate sanctions" if Mr. Gnassingbé did not step down. According to the constitution in effect at the time when Gnassingbé Eyadéma died, upon the president's death power is transferred to the head of the national assembly.
Following pressure from African leaders, Togo's President has announced on Friday that new elections will be held within 60 days. Mr. Gnassingbé was selected as the successor of his father , Africa's longest serving leader, who passed away two week ago. Mr. Gnassingbé's selection with the army's help — in contrast to the process outlined by the Togolese constitution — has drawn sharp criticisms from world leaders and Togo's population. Despite his decision to hold elections the criticism continued. On Saturday President , the chairman of , said that Togo faces "immediate sanctions" if Mr. Gnassingbé did not step down. According to the constitution in effect at the time when Gnassingbé Eyadéma died, upon the president's death power is transferred to the head of the national assembly.
D
Faure Gnassingbé
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Gnassingbé Eyadéma
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Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo
President
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Economic Community of West African States