20091231

LOME (Reuters) - Togo will hold its next presidential election on February 28, state media in the West African country said on Thursday.

President Faure Gnassingbe has ruled the world's fourth biggest phosphates producer since 2005, when he was elected amid violence and accusations that the vote was flawed.

In April this year, the president's brother Kpatcha was arrested and charged with plotting to overthrow the head of state after a foiled coup attempt.

The former French colony has been emerging from international isolation since the 2005 death of strongman Gnassingbe Eyadema, who seized power in 1967 and ruled the country until he died.

"The presidential election will be on Sunday 28 February 2010. Polling stations will open from 0700 to 1700," state media said.