(3 minutes read)
· Beninese President Patrice Talon has been re-elected. He bagged 86% of the vote cast, says the Electoral Commission in the provisional results announced
· Patrice Talon and Mariam Talata, vice-presidential candidate obtained a majority of votes in the first round of elections since they have over 50% of the votes cast. The voter turnout was low at 50.17%
· Opponent Alassane Soumanou, running against Mr. Talon had denounced “ballot box stuffing” and a non-transparent election
Beninese President Patrice Talon has been re-elected. He bagged 86% of the vote cast, says the Electoral Commission in the provisional results announced. Talon was facing virtually nil contest from opposition leaders. Patrice Talon and Mariam Talata, vice-presidential candidate obtained a majority of votes in the first round of elections since they have over 50% of the votes cast. The voter turnout was low at 50.17%.
However, The Constitutional Court will have to verify these figures. Later, in the next few days, the court will pronounce the final results. Patrice Talon is a wealthy businessman who made his fortune in cotton.
There are criticisms about his autocratic style of functioning and pouncing on dissent. The opposition has not yet reacted to the announcement of this expected victory. But the opponent Alassane Soumanou, running against Mr. Talon had denounced “ballot box stuffing” and a non-transparent election. However, Alassane Soumanou, is a not a powerful leader and do not enjoy any mass support. The government spokesperson has sharply reacted to the charges telling that such criticisms have been directed to discredit the electoral process.
There are criticisms about the low turnout at the polling stations. Many say that was due to fear among the voters to come out and cast the votes. There are videos circulating in the social media about excesses during the elections, but were discounted by the government authorities, terming those are propaganda by vested interests. Most of the opposition parties have boycotted the election telling that it was a farce by Talon and his supporters to retain the post.
