Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07LOME495
2007-07-06 12:25:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Lome
Cable title:  

TOGO - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES A LAW ON GOVERNMENT

Tags:  PGOV PREL PINR TO 
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VZCZCXRO4996
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHPC #0495 1871225
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 061225Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY LOME
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8034
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0579
UNCLAS LOME 000495 

SIPDIS

PARIS FOR GREG D'ELIA
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR TO
SUBJECT: TOGO - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES A LAW ON GOVERNMENT
FINANCING OF POLITICAL PARTIES

UNCLAS LOME 000495

SIPDIS

PARIS FOR GREG D'ELIA
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR TO
SUBJECT: TOGO - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES A LAW ON GOVERNMENT
FINANCING OF POLITICAL PARTIES


1. In compliance with the Global Political Accord (GPA),Togo's
National Assembly passed a law on June 27 setting the rules and the
conditions for government financing of political parties. The law
stipulates that the government will budget for and grant funds to
political parties in proportion to the number of seats they win.
Political parties that receive at least five percent of the national
votes in the legislative elections, at least ten percent of the
national votes in the local elections, or have at least five members
elected to the National Assembly will receive funding. The law also
says that the government will reward parties that have women elected
to office but the number of women required is not specified. The law
states that private financing of political parties is authorized
under certain conditions, however no details of those conditions are
provided.


2. Although the opposition parties point out that the law is not
perfect, they recognize that, for the first time in Togo's history,
they have a that addresses financing of political parties. While
several women's associations applaud passage of the law, they hope
the GOT will take further measures to encourage female candidates in
Togo's coming elections.

COMMENT: Representatives of two woman-oriented civil society
organizations participated in negotiations and signing of the GPA in
August 2006. Passage of this legislation is part of the
reconciliation process after 38 years of Eyadema dictatorship.
Women from the ruling party and from opposition parties are taking
advantage of the current opening in Togolese politics to boost their
influence in the political process. End Comment.

DUNN