(3 minutes read)
Benin’s Constitutional Court declared President Patrice Talon’s camp won the majority of seats in parliament the country’s Constitutional Court
Benin’s Constitutional Court declared President Patrice Talon’s camp won the majority of seats in parliament at the country’s Constitutional Court. www.trendsnafrica.com has reported about the higher number of seats being bagged by the ruling party supported by its alliance. The election assumed importance since it marked the return of the opposition to the election ring after a four-year absence. The election was peaceful, reaffirming the faith in democracy.
Supporters credit Talon for bringing about reforms in the country. But detractors dumb the wealthy businessman man-a cotton magnet for moving away from democratic principles either by jailing or exiling his opponents. This is the first time that the opposition has taken part in the elections since Mr. Talon came to power.
The presidential parties, the Republican Bloc (BR) and the Progressive Union for Renewal (UP-R) won 81 of the 109 seats in parliament. The main opposition party, The Democrats, obtained 28 deputies. Votes were cast by over 37% of the total electorate. Seven political parties – including three opposition allies – were allowed to take part in the ballot in this country once seen as a model of democracy. Only political parties obtaining more than 10% of the votes can obtain seats in Parliament, according to a proportional system.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/ruling-alliance-back-in-power-in-benin-provisional-results-indicate/
https://trendsnafrica.com/elections-in-benin-passed-off-peacefully/
https://trendsnafrica.com/legislative-elections-in-benin-opposition-eligible-to-contest/
Earlier, Democratic party leader Eric Houndete dismissed the provisional results, citing ballot stuffing, rigging, and blatant vote-buying by the two main pro-government parties. However, they failed to provide evidence immediately. The results can be contested for a period of 10 days after the official announcement of the outcome.
