TOGO - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES A LAW ON GOVERNMENT

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