The debate continues around the ongoing constitutional revision to switch from a semi-presidential regime to a parliamentary regime in Togo. Received this April 12, 2024 by our colleagues at Nana FM, the Secretary General of the Socialist Pact for Renewal (PSR), Professor Wolou Komi once again gave his point of view.
According to the associate professor, in the current (semi-presidential) regime, apart from the President of the Republic, certain powers are also recognized to the Prime Minister. Contrary to this, the parliamentary system devotes most of the power to the Prime Minister designated in the new text as “President of the Council”. “This President of the council is not named. In reality it is not a choice that would come from the people but it is the Leader of the parliamentary majority who would automatically become president of the council,” he explained.
On the budgetary argument given to justify the need for the parliamentary system by avoiding the direct election of the president by the people, the opponent finds that it is unfounded. “In a country that talks about spending, we must be able to rationalize things. What is ultimately also the use of the Senate for us in not finding a constitution that would allow us to make more savings,” he added.
The professor says he is ready for a televised debate of up to four people between himself and academics who do not find the change of regime inappropriate at this time.
Atha ASSAN