Voters in Benin Select Parliament and Local Representatives After Failed Coup Attempt

Voting in Benin

In Benin, voters have started casting their ballots to select members of parliament and local representatives, just weeks after a failed coup attempt by military forces. President Patrice Talon's ruling coalition is expected to strengthen its already strong position in the elections on Sunday, especially as the main opposition party, the Democrats, has been barred from participating in local voting. Streets in the economic capital, Cotonou, remained calm as polling stations opened at 7:00 AM local time (06:00 GMT), according to AFP.

Polling stations are set to close at 5:00 PM (16:00 GMT). "We vote early to avoid the crowds after church at noon," said 32-year-old restaurateur Adeline Sonon after casting her vote. The one-round legislative elections will select 109 members of the National Assembly, where Talon's political bloc hopes to strengthen its majority. The Democrats, contesting only the parliamentary race, risk losing all 28 seats, given the current electoral law that requires parties to achieve support from 20% of registered voters in each of the 24 voting districts to participate in elections.

The elections come just weeks after a bloody coup attempt on December 7, which was thwarted within hours by the military with support from neighboring Nigeria.

The electoral campaign was conducted without large rallies, as most parties opted for door-to-door strategies. "All measures have been taken to ensure free, transparent, and secure voting. No political ambition can justify violence or jeopardize national unity," said Sacca Lafia, head of the electoral commission, on Saturday.

The legislative elections are set to shape the political landscape ahead of the presidential elections in April, considering that the opposition has been removed from the ballot. Although Talon, 67, is nearing the end of his second five-year term and is barred from the April elections, his chosen successor, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is a strong favorite to win. Talon has overseen robust economic development during his nearly ten years in power, but critics accuse him of restricting political opposition and fundamental rights.