As Togolese citizens cast their ballots today, March 4, IFES elections experts in Togo, Amourlaye Toure and Paul Chick, give us a glimpse into the campaign period.

This is it, the campaign for the presidential elections in Togo ended with no major incident! It is a first challenge won by the Togolese people, who are expecting a lot from their political leaders, whether is it the opposition or the governing party.

The second week of the campaign for the presidential elections of Togo 2010 has been marked by the massive arrival of the international observers, the continuation of caravans and demonstrations as well as many political meetings. More importantly, it was a celebration of all the delegations that are candidate to the forthcoming elections - many of which were in the streets together as one; it was a demonstration of peace and unity.

Many initiatives were developed both by national and international actors, in order to prevent potential violence that could occur before, during, and after the vote. In fact, some point out the idea that too much emphasize is put on violence and not enough on the fairness and transparency of the forthcoming elections, and on the necessity to conform to the established rules of international law. When asked at the final meeting of his political party, a militant said: "For us who are UFC (Union of the Forces for a Change, an opposition party), I think we can be pacific if this election is free and fair; mostly fair!"

Up to the 27th of February, through our election violence monitoring, no major incident of election violence has been recorded on the Togolese territory - although some reported minor disputes and ripping-off of posters.

Candidates have continued their tour around the different regions of Togo, mobilizing the people. If the head of state started off his campaign gathering impressive crowds, the opposition candidates have largely increased their actions and multiply massive meetings and processions. "it's over, the fat lady has sung; Faure is no longer president" stated the candidate Agbeyome Kodjo in the local press of February 25th . Furthermore, Nicholas Lawson has denounced the unreasonable means spent by the state for Faure's campaign, who is campaigning with an helicopter. These statements clearly show the growing confidence in the opposition, this belief that everyone has a say and stands a chance.

It is also important to mention the triumphal return of M. Gilchrist Olympio, the charismatic leader of the opposition UFC (Union of the Forces of Change), on February 28th. He could not represent himself again due to heath issues, and so, for the first time, M. Jean Pierre Fabre will represent UFC in the elections of March 2010. "Militants of the oppositions were massively gathered to welcome their national president" headlined Liberte on the 1st of March. "Detia! Detia!" were shouting their partisans, while wearing a yellow piece of clothing with a red palm tree drawn on it, emblem of the UFC.

The African Union, the ECOWAS and the European Union arrived in Lome for the international electoral observation. National observers have been trained, and are now spread out in the whole country. Although there are enough observers, there are risks for inadequate surveillance in some polling stations, mainly due to a lack of rigorous coordination.

Many Togolese still believe in a great risk of electoral fraud, even with the assurance given by the international community. They believe these elections will be no exception to the long lasting tradition of cheating in Africa. Therefore, they mention the risky transit of the ballot bozes to the CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission), the numerous electricity and internet breakdown to serve as alibi for the delayed results, or the purchase of votes. Nevertheless, the rumour of poll filling at the Prefecture du Golfe on Sunday 28th of February, day before the vote of the army, turned short. A UFC deputy, a military observer from ECOWAS, as well as observers from the UN and the EU could not find any proof when they search the building.

Another incident has perturbed observers. It is a declaration from the "Patriotic Front of the Togolese Armed Forces" who, in a letter published by Togocity, warns the authorities of any attempt of fraud, denounces the arbitrary arrest of Kpatcha Gnassingbe -Faure's Step brother - and the murders and disappearence of members of the Togolese Armed Forces.

Borders are closed; intercity transit is forbidden, for the days to come. However, the international community has not ceased to reassure everyone: the maturity of the Togolese people, its good knowledge of the various techniques of fraud and their great mobilisation for fair and free elections are enough skills to hope for a demonstration of democracy in Africa.