News

News: Elections Without Credible Opposition Sees Democratic Setback in Benin

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 08:20 am

Auhoritinaism in Benin?

Opponents and members of civil society in Benin have denounced the six-month away presidential election which they claim could be held without any credible opposition candidate under questionable and dubious political circumstances orchestrated by the ruling government in light of an amendment to the electoral code and several court convictions against prominent politicians.

The article voted on at the end of 2019 requires candidates to be sponsored by 16 deputies or mayors in order to compete in the ballot.

However, during the legislative elections of April 2019, none of the opposition parties had been allowed to present lists, and after the municipal elections of April 2020, boycotted by some of the opponents, only six dissident mayors were elected.

“Mathematically, it is therefore impossible to have an opposition candidate,” said Ralmeg Gandaho, coordinator of “Let me choose.” This collective of civil society organisations is campaigning for the abolition of sponsorship.

(AFP)

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Mauritius Reopens Social MediaAccess in Response to PublicPressure

Mauritius on Saturday overruled its decision to prohibit social media until the election onNovember 10th which was caused by a…

November 5, 2024

UAE Crown Prince Arrives in Ethiopia for WorldWithout Hunger Conference

The UAE’s Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed AlNahyan was in Addis Ababa…

November 5, 2024

Zimbabwe’s rich (Mbingas) linked to state looting

Gilbert Machokoto, a former teacher, said that setting up a business in the late 1980s, shortlyafter Zimbabwe's independence, was ‘like…

November 4, 2024

Historic Shift in Botswana as PresidentConcedes to Opposition Victory

Following elections in which the party that had ruled the diamond-rich nation for almost 60years suffered a historic setback. Botswana's…

November 4, 2024

Lightning Strike at Uganda Refugee CampClaims 14 Lives, Including Children

A lightning strike at a refugee camp in Uganda kills 14 people including children with 34 othershospitalized. The incident happened…

November 4, 2024

From television hopeful to red carpet royalty: Kuhle Adams’ journey frompresenter to South Africa’s biggest awards

From TV hopeful to red carpet royalty, Kuhle Adams' journey is a remarkable story of talentand perseverance. Beginning as an…

November 3, 2024

This website uses cookies.