Supporters of Togo President Faure Gnassingbe claimed Sunday that he had won re-election after his main challenger said he could stage an upset despite "revelations of fraud".
A widely-expected win by the incumbent would extend more than a half century of dynastic rule over the West African nation by Gnassingbe's family despite broad disillusionment over its failure to drag many out of poverty. After voting ended on Saturday, troops briefly surrounded the homes of opposition candidate Agbeyome Kodjo and a key ally in a move the authorities said was for their "own safety".
Kodjo, a former prime minister and head of the national assembly, had emerged as a dark horse challenger looking to stop Gnassingbe's bid for a fourth term in office. But Gilbert Bawara, minister of public functions and a strong supporter of the president, told AFP Sunday: "The lead of President Faure Gnassingbe is well above 50 percent, and even more than 60 percent.
"Victory is assured but it is up to the Ceni to independently proclaim the results," he added in reference to the national electoral commission. "We are optimistic and anticipate a clear victory in the first round" of voting, the minister said.
Bawara downplayed Internet cuts and disruption to social media networks since vote counting began on Saturday, laying blame on mobile telephone operators Togocel and Moov and remarking: "These things happen."
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