Togo opposition alleges 'fake' polling stations
A Togo opposition leader has accused authorities of establishing fake polling stations in Saturday's presidential election to skew the bring about favour of the incumbent.
Agbéyomé Kodjo made the accusation against President Faure Gnassingbé who has been around power since 2005 when he took over from his father.
The president's office is quoted by AFP news agency as denying the accusation.
Provisional results indicate that Mr Gnassingbé, has won a fourth term.
Early on Monday, the electoral commission said that Mr Gnassingbé had received 72% of the vote, weighed against about 18% for Mr Kodjo.
Mr Kodjo, former prime minister and head of the national assembly, also accused the authorities of ballot stuffing and getting persons to cast multiple votes in Mr Gnassingbé's favour.
Troops surrounded Mr Kodjo's home for about three hours after voting finished on Saturday.
Togo's Security Minister, Yark Dameham, told Voice of America that Mr Kodjo's house had been surrounded as a precaution.
"We've received reports that he's vulnerable to an attack on his house by unruly individuals, but I cannot tell you that side," he's quoted as saying.
But Mr Kodjo told the BBC that he was given no explanation and believed this is not for his protection but instead to permit time to rig the vote.
Mr Gnassingbé has led Togo's population of eight million people since taking over following death of his father Gnassingbé Eyadema, who ruled for 38 years.
He faced six rivals for the positioning of president.
Constitutional changes were approved this past year allowing him to get re-election and potentially stay in office until 2030 - a concern which sparked huge protests in 2017-18.
