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5h ago

Benin's Ruling Allies Sweep Parliament in Provisional Results

A new 20% eligibility rule under the electoral code effectively excluded the opposition, consolidating the ruling camp before April's presidential vote.

The electoral commission headquarters in Benin, where the opposition has lost all its seats to President Patrice Talon's powerful ruling bloc in parliamentary elections

Overview

  • Provisional tally awards the Progressive Union for Renewal 60 seats and the Republican Bloc 49, filling all 109 assembly seats.
  • The electoral code now requires at least 20% of the vote nationwide and in each of 24 districts for a party to qualify for seat allocation.
  • The Democrats received about 16%—below the threshold—and will have no lawmakers, with turnout reported at 36.7%.
  • The Democrats were also barred from local contests and from the April presidential ballot after failing to secure the required endorsements.
  • The results await confirmation by the Constitutional Court as the April presidential election approaches with President Patrice Talon term‑barred and Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni viewed as the frontrunner.