In a stunning display of political dominance, Benin’s ruling coalition has secured all 109 seats in the country’s national assembly, according to provisional results announced by the electoral commission.
The two parties aligned with President Patrice Talon, the Union Progressiste and the Bloc Républicain, emerged victorious in the parliamentary vote, leaving the opposition without a single seat in the legislature.
This outcome marks a significant shift in Benin’s political landscape, as the opposition parties have traditionally held a presence in the national assembly. The complete sweep by the ruling coalition has raised concerns among observers about the state of democracy in the West African nation.
“This is an unprecedented situation in Benin’s political history,” said Adama Coulibaly, a political analyst based in the capital, Cotonou. “The complete absence of opposition voices in the parliament is a worrying development that deserves close scrutiny.”
The electoral commission’s announcement came after a contentious campaign period that saw the exclusion of several opposition parties from the race. The government has faced criticism for its crackdown on dissent and the perceived erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.
President Talon, who came to power in 2016, has defended the electoral process, arguing that the results reflect the will of the Beninese people. However, opposition leaders have denounced the election as a “sham” and have vowed to challenge the outcome.
“This is not a true representation of the Beninese people,” said Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, the leader of the main opposition party, the Democratic Renewal Party. “We will explore all legal avenues to contest these results and restore the integrity of our democratic system.”
The international community has also expressed concern over the developments in Benin. The European Union, which has provided significant financial support to the country, has called for a “thorough review” of the electoral process to ensure it meets international standards.
As Benin grapples with the aftermath of the elections, the country’s political future remains uncertain. The lack of opposition voices in the national assembly raises questions about the government’s accountability and the ability of citizens to hold their leaders to account.
