Benin Holds Local, Parliamentary Elections After Failed Coup Attempt

By Charles Maduka

Voters in Benin Republic went to the polls for parliamentary and local elections amid tight security, weeks after a failed coup attempt unsettled the country. The elections are seen as important for the political future of the West African nation.

The ruling coalition of President Patrice Talon is expected to further increase its dominance in parliament, as the main opposition party, the Democrats, was barred from participating in the local government elections. The party is only contesting the parliamentary polls.

The elections come shortly after a deadly coup attempt by some army mutineers, which was crushed within hours with the help of the military and support from Nigeria and France. The incident raised serious concerns about security and political stability in the country.

In the economic capital, Cotonou, polling stations opened calmly, with voters arriving early to cast their ballots. A voter, Adeline Sonon, said she came out early to avoid the usual crowd later in the day.

The parliamentary election will decide all 109 seats in the National Assembly. President Talon’s three-party alliance currently controls a large majority and hopes to gain even more seats. Observers believe the opposition may lose ground due to strict electoral laws that require parties to meet high voter support thresholds across all voting districts.

Campaign activities were low-key, as political parties avoided large rallies and focused more on door-to-door campaigns. The electoral commission assured citizens that measures were in place to ensure a peaceful and transparent process.

Although President Talon is nearing the end of his second term and cannot contest the next presidential election, attention is already shifting to the future. His preferred successor, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is widely seen as the frontrunner in the coming presidential race.

While supporters credit Talon with improving the country’s economy, critics accuse his government of weakening political opposition and limiting civil freedoms. The outcome of the elections is expected to shape Benin’s political direction in the months ahead.