Benin holds parliamentary and local elections following attempted coup attempt

Benin Holds Legislative Elections Amid Ongoing Political Landscape

Voters in Benin are casting ballots for members of parliament and local representatives on Sunday, following a failed coup attempt by army mutineers just weeks prior. The elections will determine the composition of the National Assembly, with 109 seats up for grabs.

President Patrice Talon’s governing coalition is projected to maintain its dominant position in the polls, with the main opposition party, Democrats, barred from participating in local elections. Polling stations opened at 7am local time and are scheduled to close at 5pm.

Citizens cast their ballots, with some citing convenience as a reason for voting early. The single-round legislative polls will elect members of the National Assembly, where Talon’s coalition hopes to strengthen its majority.

The opposition party faces significant challenges in the elections, with observers predicting they may lose all 28 seats due to the current electoral law requiring parties to gather support from 20 percent of registered voters in each district. The campaign unfolded without large rallies, with most parties opting for grassroots strategies.

The head of the electoral commission stated that measures have been taken to ensure a free, transparent, and secure vote. The outcome of the elections will shape the country’s political landscape ahead of April’s presidential poll.

Source: Al Jazeera