COTONOU, Benin — In a significant political development, opposition parties in Benin lost all parliamentary seats during the recent elections, with provisional results released by the electoral commission indicating a complete sweep by president-aligned parties. This election occurred a few weeks following a failed coup that attempted to unseat President Patrice Talon, which lasted only hours before authorities intervened.
The legislative vote took place against a backdrop of political unrest in Africa, where coups have become increasingly common, often emerging from a cycle of disputed elections, constitutional crises, and widespread youth dissatisfaction. According to the provisional results announced on Saturday, only the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union for Renewal, both of which support Talon, managed to secure seats in the National Assembly. The Republican Bloc will have 49 lawmakers, while the Progressive Union for Renewal will hold 60 seats.
Under the new electoral code, parties must achieve at least 20% of the national vote and also secure 20% in each of the 24 electoral districts to qualify for representation. The main opposition party, The Democrats, garnered around 16% of the vote, falling short of the threshold and resulting in no parliamentary representation.
“The results confirm the struggle that The Democrats party has been waging for about two years,” stated Guy Mitokpe, the party’s spokesperson. “We denounced this electoral code, saying that it heavily favored parties aligned with the president. It’s an exclusionary electoral code.” He highlighted the challenges faced by the party, noting that they have been barred from both the presidential and municipal elections.
Voter turnout for the election was reported at 36.73%, according to the electoral commission. These provisional results will now be submitted for confirmation by the Constitutional Court.
Despite a tumultuous history of coups since gaining independence from France in 1960, Benin has experienced a period of relative stability over the past two decades. The nation is scheduled to elect a new president in April 2024. President Talon, who has served for a decade, is barred from seeking reelection. His finance minister, Romuald Wadagni, is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the presidency, particularly as the leading opposition candidate has been disqualified for not meeting endorsement requirements.
During Talon’s administration, Benin has seen economic growth; however, critics have accused him of suppressing political dissent and infringing upon human rights. The results of the recent elections may further complicate the political landscape as the country prepares for its upcoming presidential contest.
