Benin’s pro-government parties have won a majority of seats in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, the country’s constitutional court announced Thursday. The vote also marked the return of the opposition after a four-year absence.
Sunday’s vote, which went ahead peacefully, was a test for the West African state. President Patrice Talon has promoted development, but critics say that democracy has gradually been eroded under his watch.
It was the first time the opposition was participating in elections since businessman Talon came to power in 2016.
Over six million Beninese were called to elect 109 MPs. Pro-Talon parties the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union for Renewal together won 81 out of the 109 seats, said Razaki Amouda Issifou, president of the constitutional court.
The opposition Democrats party gained 28 seats, he said, adding that voter turnout was 37.79 percent.
Seven political parties – including three allied to the opposition – were allowed to take part in the election.
Only parties that win more than 10 percent of the vote are eligible to get parliamentary seats, according to a proportional system.
Credit: rfi
