Togo lawmakers approve contested political reform

Togo lawmakers on Friday gave final approval to a constitutional reform switching to a parliamentary system. The approval came days before April 29 legislative elections in Togo.
Togo's parliament had already adopted the new constitution on March 25. Under the new constitution, Togo adopts a parliamentary system, leaving lawmakers to elect the president which would become a largely ceremonial role with a four-year term.
Under the amendment, power would shift to the new post of president of the council of ministers, a kind of prime minister role, who would be the leader of the assembly's majority party. Parliament is currently dominated by UNIR party.