Events supporting President Talon, the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union for Renewal, collectively gained 81 out of 109 seats.

Benin’s pro-government events have gained a majority of seats in parliament, the nation’s Constitutional Courtroom mentioned, in a vote marking the return of the opposition after 4 years of absence.

Events supporting President Patrice Talon, the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union for Renewal, collectively gained 81 out of 109 seats in parliament, mentioned Razaki Amouda Issifou, president of the Constitutional Courtroom, on Thursday.

Sunday’s vote, which went forward peacefully, was a take a look at for the West African state the place Talon has targeted on growth however critics say democracy has steadily eroded below his watch.

It was the primary time the opposition was taking part in elections since cotton magnate Talon got here to energy in 2016.

The opposition Les Democrates occasion gained 28 seats, he mentioned, including that voter turnout was 37.79 p.c.

Seven political events – together with three allied to the opposition – have been allowed to take part within the election.

Solely events that win greater than 10 p.c of the vote are eligible to get parliamentary seats, in line with a proportional system.

Earlier on Thursday, Les Democrates chief Eric Houndete had denounced “flagrant” poll field stuffing, rigging and vote shopping for by the 2 pro-government events, with out offering fast proof.

“The Democrats [Les Democrates] occasion rejects this end result, which doesn’t replicate the need of the individuals to make our occasion the primary political pressure in our nation,” Houndete mentioned.

Outcomes might be contested inside 10 days from the official proclamation of outcomes.

In 2019, opposition events have been successfully barred from taking part in a legislative poll as a result of stricter election guidelines, leading to a parliament dominated by authorities supporters. That vote was marred by lethal clashes in an opposition stronghold, historic low turnout and an web blackout, uncommon occasions in Benin.

Since Talon first got here to workplace and after getting re-elected in 2021, most of his opponents have been jailed or have gone into exile.

This yr’s legislative elections have been key for the opposition in preparation for the 2026 presidential election when candidates will want lawmaker assist to be registered.

Parliament additionally performs a task within the composition of the Constitutional Courtroom, which oversees rulings on election disputes. Its mandate ends this yr. 4 new judges shall be appointed by lawmakers whereas three shall be chosen by the president.

Les Democrates additionally mentioned it might search to push an amnesty legislation in parliament to free jailed colleagues and permit the return of exiles.

In December 2021, opposition chief Reckya Madougou was sentenced to twenty years in jail on “terrorism” expenses. Joel Aivo – one other opposition chief and tutorial – was jailed for 10 years for alleged conspiracy towards the authority of the state.

Each have been tried by the Financial Crimes and Terrorism Repression Courtroom (CRIET). Critics say the courtroom, opened by Talon’s authorities in 2016, has been used to crack down on his opponents.