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Togo - one of Africa's smallest and poorest countries - is preparing to vote in a tightly policed election, widely seen as a test of its democratic progress.
Why is security so tight?
The authorities are making efforts to avoid a repeat of the violence which blighted the 2005 poll. The government has been sending teams around Togo to explain to the people the causes of election violence and how to avoid it.
In addition, some 6,000 security forces (3,000 police, 3,000 gendarmes) will be deployed across the country. The security forces - who voted on 1 March - have received sensitivity training in dealing with the public.
They will be backed up by a multinational force from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). The country successfully staged a parliamentary election in 2007.
How does the system work?
The constitution provides for the election of the president in one round by a simple majority of the votes cast. All citizens aged 18 and over are eligible to vote. Polling stations will be open from 0700 to 1700.
Candidates must be at least 35 years old and only have Togolese nationality. They must pay a deposit of some 44,000 dollars, an amount that has been criticised by some opposition parties.
The process is overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), which is made up of ruling and opposition politicians, members of civil society and the administration. CENI receives financial support from the EU, Germany, France, the US and the UNDP.
Source: BBC News Africa
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