Togo lawmakers give final approval to constitutional changes

Togo lawmakers on Friday gave final approval to a constitutional reform that switches to a parliamentary system that triggered criticism from opposition parties who say it allows President Faure Gnassingbe to keep a grip on power. The approval came days before April 29 legislative elections in Togo, where the opposition dismissed the reform as a "constitutional coup" for creating a new prime minister-style post they say will allow the Togolese leader to avoid term limits to stay in office. Togo's parliament had already adopted the new constitution on March 25, but Gnassingbe asked lawmakers to vote again after the reform sparked political tensions. The second reading was passed with 87 lawmakers present all agreeing to the new system.
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