Togo’s presidential election receives boost from UN development agency

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been endeavouring to ensure that today’s presidential election in Togo – which was rocked by clashes following disputed polls in 2005 – is peaceful and respectful of human rights.

To build on the legislative elections held in 2007, which were deemed transparent and fair and helped Togo break free of the vicious circle of violence, UNDP has taken part in implementing a multi-million dollar project to support elections.

Under the project, UNDP helped update the 2007 electoral census, resulting in an 11 per cent increase in voters and pushing the total up to nearly 3.3 million as of the end of last month. The use of biometric technology sped up the issuance of new voter cards.

Over 36,000 technicians, census takers and trainers have been hired, trained and sent out to the more than 3,500 review centres.

The agency has also assisted with designing ballots, training electoral personnel and the establishment of local electoral commissions across the West African nation.

Some 500 people died and thousands more were injured in violence which erupted after the sudden death of long-time President Gnassingbé Eyadéma and disputed elections in 2005, while tens of thousands of people escaped to neighbouring Ghana and Benin.

Earlier this week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the presidential election is a “crucial opportunity” for Togo to continue efforts to consolidate democracy, appealing for the poll to be unscarred by violence.

The election also provides an occasion to “foster national cohesion, stability and sustainable development,” according to a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General calls on all political leaders and institutions to ensure that the election is credible and peaceful and reflects on the will of the people of Togo,” urging all segments of society to refrain from moves that could exacerbate tensions before, during or after the poll.

To avert violence following today’s polls and promote respect for human rights, UNDP, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and their partners organized a public campaign called “Let us give peace a chance.”

More than 200 human rights observers are being deployed to the capital, Lomé, and other towns and villages.

UNDP and OHCHR have jointly drafted a code of conduct formalizing the commitments made by those involved in the elections to respect the election’s outcome and to use legal channels to lodge any complaints they may have.