00:00Security and defense forces in Togo cast their ballot early in Lome and other cities ahead
00:07of the 2025 municipal elections. Soldiers, paramilitary units and the Operational Reserve
00:15turned out in a calm and disciplined manner. The early vote lets them focus on securing
00:21the July 17th election, which authorities hope will proceed peacefully. Everything is
00:28going smoothly, they're voting calmly and waiting in line. They follow all the instructions
00:33we give them. This early vote kicks off the electoral process in a tense political climate.
00:40As the campaign heats up, candidates rally supporters with posters, door-to-door visits
00:46and public events. Go vote and vote for what UNIR, because we need continuity in the work
00:54already being done on the ground. But the opposition is pushing back,
01:01refusing to give up ground, despite boycott calls from some groups.
01:09If we want to improve people's lives, the opposition must participate and prove what it can deliver.
01:16Tensions are still simmering beneath the surface. Following deadly protests in late June,
01:26civil society groups have declared July 14th and 15th as days of mourning. Online activists with the
01:33M66 movement are calling for press demonstrations on July 16th and 17th, the day of the vote.
01:40The government has issued warnings and says everything will be done to ensure peaceful elections.
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