Thousands of government supporters and opposition march over disputed Togo presidential vote

Thousands march over Togo presidential vote

LOME, Togo — Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Togo’s capital in two organized, opposing marches more than a week after a disputed presidential election won by the son of the former dictator.

Opposition candidate Jean-Pierre Fabre on Saturday led his opposition party on its march, which was held at the same time as a pro-government rally. Riot police escorted both peaceful marches along separate routes. Fabre says he wants workers to strike over what he says was a rigged election.

The March 4 vote was won by President Faure Gnassingbe, who seized power in 2005 after the death of his father, former dictator Eyadema Gnassingbe. The election handed victory once more to the same family that has ruled Togo for the past 43 years.