Benin votes in key parliamentary, local polls a month after thwarted coup

"President Patrice Talon's governing coalition is projected to strengthen its already powerful position in Sunday's elections, with the main opposition Democrats party barred from the local polls. The streets of economic capital Cotonou were calm as polling stations opened at 7am local time (06:00 GMT) on Sunday, according to the AFP news agency. Polls are scheduled to close at 5pm (16:00 GMT)."

"The single-round legislative polls will elect 109 members of the National Assembly, where Talon's three-party bloc hopes to strengthen its majority. The Democrats, contesting only the parliamentary races, risk ceding ground to the ruling coalition, which currently holds 81 seats. Some observers say the opposition may lose all 28 seats, given the current electoral law requiring parties to gather support from 20 percent of registered voters in each of the country's 24 voting districts to stand for parliament."

"The elections come weeks after a deadly coup attempt by soldiers on December 7, which was thwarted in a matter of hours by the military, with support from neighbouring Nigeria. The campaign unfolded without large rallies, with most parties opting for grassroots strategies like door-to-door canvassing. All measures have been taken to guarantee a free, transparent and secure vote. No political ambition can justify violence or endanger national unity, head of the electoral commission, Sacca Lafia, said on Saturday."

Voters in Benin are casting ballots to elect 109 National Assembly members and local representatives weeks after a failed coup attempt by army mutineers. President Patrice Talon's three-party governing coalition is expected to strengthen its majority while the main opposition Democrats are barred from local contests and face obstacles under electoral law. The law requires parties to secure support from 20 percent of registered voters in each of 24 districts, risking the opposition losing all 28 seats. Campaigning avoided large rallies in favor of door-to-door outreach. Polling opened calmly in Cotonou and will close at 17:00 local time, and the vote precedes an April presidential election.

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