00:00The elections were calm, but tense.
00:04Voters went to the polls in Togo on Thursday to elect their municipal representatives.
00:10But after protests against long-time President Fornia Singbe turned deadly in June,
00:16fear and political apathy lowered turnout in many polling stations.
00:22This time, the participation in the election is not good.
00:26Even in 2019, it was better than this year.
00:28In 2019, there was really enthusiasm for a good change.
00:34Yes, Singbe has ruled over Togo since 2005
00:37and recently reformed the Constitution to stay in power without official term limits.
00:42Still, some voters were hopeful for change in the country.
00:46I want our little brothers and sisters to be able to go to school.
00:49We don't have enough resources.
00:51That's why we've had to learn small trades.
00:54Because of a lack of money, I dropped out of school to work.
00:56But the younger ones, they should get better chances.
01:00I need the means to take care of our children's health.
01:02I just hope for better living conditions, really.
01:05In the capital Lome, a heavy police presence also intimidated many into staying at home.
01:11I'm going to say, I'm going to say, I'm going to go to school.
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