Sunday's election in Togo gives the West African nation a chance to put its political troubles behind it, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Wednesday, urging all factions to avoid stirring up violence ahead of the voting. Togo has been gripped by fears of escalating violence following a weekend of street battles in the capital Lome. Seven people were reported killed in clashes between rival supporters, some armed with machetes and nail-studded clubs. The country's slide into chaos began in February with the death of President Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had ruled Togo for 38 years and was Africa's longest-serving leader. Eyadema's son Faure Gnassingbe was immediately named president by the army, in violation of the constitution, provoking violent protests and a backlash from international leaders who eventually persuaded him to step aside and hold elections. Four candidates, including Gnassingbe, are competing in Sunday's contest. But the main opposition parties have said they want the election postponed, accusing the ruling party of trying to rig the voters' register. Following the recent clashes, Annan "urgently calls on leaders from across the political spectrum to avoid any actions or statements that could incite or contribute to violence before, during, or after the 24 April presidential vote," Dujarric said. "The secretary-general believes the election provides Togo with a chance to emerge from a difficult political transition as a united and peaceful nation," he said. "In light of the many concerns already raised about the electoral process, he urges authorities to do all within their power to ensure that citizens are able to vote freely and peacefully to ensure a credible and transparent outcome." --SP 2251 Local Time 1951 GMT
