Togo's government stands firm on election date

The Togolese government says parliamentary elections will take place later this month, despite an opposition boycott and deadly violence.
The Minister for Civil Service Gilbert Bawara said the electoral process is irreversible and the ballot will be held on December 20, 2018.
A coalition of 14 opposition parties say it will not take part, citing irregularities in preparations and calling for an overhaul of the electoral commission.
It called for 10 days of protest in the run-up to the vote but the government banned the action on security grounds.