A bill to limit presidents in Togo to two terms of office will be decided by referendum after it failed on Tuesday to win approval from parliament due to a boycott by opposition lawmakers.
The boycott was called because the measure appears to exempt incumbent Faure Gnassingbe, who is already in his third term.
Gnassingbe’s family has ruled the small West African country for 50 years and frustration over the slow pace of reform there has spilled onto the streets several times since August, involving thousands and prompting U.N. calls for action.
Under the terms of the bill, he would be eligible for two further five-year terms that could leave him in power until 2030. The referendum was announced by parliament head Drama Dramani, who told lawmakers it would take place in coming days
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