MEN AND WOMEN OF TOGO

Your President speaks to you.

Yes, your President speaks to you, because we did not lose this presidential election on April 24, 2005. You need to know this and remain mobilized.

Young Togolese, my first words of gratitude are addressed to you.

I, Emmanuel Bob Akitani, and you, the future of our country, with the possible cost of our very lives, we must oppose the illogical, and compel those believing to have a divine right to profit by plundering our people, to come to their senses and see reason.

This fight will be long. But the popular fight is invincible.

Our victory is based on the results from the polling stations which reached us:

- in the Maritime Area, we won with more than 86% of the vote
- in Lomé Proper, we won with more than 76%
- in the Plateaux Region, we won with more than 66%
- in the Kara Region, in spite of the massive frauds, we obtained, on the basis of card results in our possession, nearly 35%;
- in the Savannas, in spite of the intimidations, and stolen ballot boxes, we carried it off with nearly 55%

Our power; your power; the power of the people must be restored.

We are ready to confront any other respective figures reported anywhere.

I bow and salute the memory of those who have died from fatal bullets. I wish a quick recovery to those with the casualties.

It is useless to refuse to see reality any other way:
- Soldiers
- Warrant officers,
- Republican Officers! It is time to speak!

Stop these acts of terror and intimidation to avoid massacres planned against our people who search for peace, justice, and democracy.

- People of faith
- Leaders of the Churches, Temples and Convents, you must publicly express your refusal to accept this takeover of democracy.

Resist! Resist, until the final victory.

To those which have confiscated power for 40 years, here is my fraternal message to them:

You will not be convicted for political crimes. There will be no hunting for the witches under my Presidency. Understand this and seize this chance.

Togolese. Hold firm. I will speak to you again soon in spite of the difficulties with communication.
Long live the noble and courageous Togolese people!
Long live a democratic, free and independent Togo.
Courage to our brave and determined youth.
Determination supported by the coalition of the six democratic parties.

I thank you.

Your President of the Republic
Bob Emmanuel Akitani