Togo has set April 24 as the date for presidential elections meant to end political turmoil following the death of long-time leader Gnassingbe Eyadema, officials said on Thursday. The army bypassed the constitution and installed Eyadema's son Faure Gnassingbe as president of the West African country after the authoritarian ruler's death last month. The move triggered international criticism, African sanctions and brought thousands of opposition supporters onto the streets. Gnassingbe bowed to international pressure last week and handed over to an interim president, although he intends to run in the election as the official candidate of the ruling party. Paris-based main opposition leader Gilchrist Olympio told Reuters on Thursday he also planned to stand, despite a constitutional bar on candidates who have not lived in the country during the 12 months prior to an election. Kissem Tchangai-Walla, the president of the national election commission, announced the date for the vote at a news conference with the interior minister on Thursday. --SP 2332 Local Time 2032 GMT
