Faure Gnassingbe is set to be sworn in Saturday as President of the Council of Ministers in Togo.
This follows a contentious constitutional reform that has ignited fierce opposition.
The shift from a presidential to parliamentary system has sparked accusations of a power grab.
The new system diminishes the traditional role of the President of the Republic.
Instead, the President of the Council of Ministers, representing the majority party, now holds executive power.
Gnassingbe’s UNIR party secured a commanding majority in the recent legislative elections.
Opposition parties have denounced the elections as a “masquerade.”
They allege that Gnassingbe orchestrated the constitutional changes to prolong his long-standing rule.
The swearing-in ceremony marks the culmination of this controversial reform.
Gnassingbe, who initially assumed power in 2005, has since won four elections.
His nearly two-decade reign follows his father’s 38-year rule.
The election of the ceremonial President of the Republic by deputies and senators will also occur Saturday.
