Eyedema formed the Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais (RPT) to bolster his style of personal rule. The influence of the military on government policy faded as Eyedema appointed civilians to serve under him.
In nationwide elections, RPT members vied for seats in the National Assembly. These elections marked the first time in which more than one candidate could compete for an individual seat.
One hundred Ghanaian gunmen allegedly made an assassination attempt on Togo president Gnassingbe Eyadema, probably because of the recent closure of border crossings with Ghana and the institution of a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Lome, the capital. A battle followed in which 40 people were killed.
Elections for the national assembly were held, despite some isolated incidences of violence, under international observation. A total of 381 candidates competed for 81 seats. Observers declared themselves satisfied with the elections.
