Ruling Coalition Sweeps Benin Parliamentary Elections After Coup Attempt

Benin’s ruling coalition has secured a dominant victory in legislative elections held on January 11, provisional results released by the national electoral commission show, consolidating its control of parliament following a failed coup attempt last month.

The bloc linked to President Patrice Talon won all available seats under a new electoral code that requires parties to secure at least 20 per cent of the vote nationally and in each district to gain representation. Under the rule, the main opposition, the Democrats party, managed just 16 per cent of the votes and failed to qualify for seats in the 109-member National Assembly.

The legislative vote took place just one month after a December 7 coup attempt, which the government said was swiftly quashed with support from regional partners. The elections were also held ahead of presidential polls scheduled for April, in which Talon is barred from running and has endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his preferred successor.

Voter turnout was low, with officials reporting participation around 36.7 per cent, roughly on par with the last legislative polls. The result is expected to shape Benin’s political landscape as the country prepares for its next national election.

SOURCE: AFP