In Benin, the controversy over the electoral code – modified on March 15 – returns to the debate. The opposition had sharply criticized it, civil society had requested a second reading. After a scientific conference that he organized with experts on electoral issues in April 2024 on “ changes to the electoral code from 1990 to today and the contribution to truly democratic elections in 2026 », the Beninese clergy demands a “ consensual proofreading » of said code. The Episcopal Conference of Benin formulated this in a public declaration made this week in Cotonou.
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With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
The clergy’s statement notes that the changes to laws in Benign are done without open discussion and without consultation “. The rest of the statement reviews the changes introduced and considered sources of concern. For example, sponsorships for presidential election candidates, the number was noted. For the clergy, this deprives certain parties of candidates.
Another concern is the threshold of at least 20% of votes per constituency required to claim the seat of deputy. When the bar was at 10% nationally, only three parties were able to win seats, recalls the Church.
“ Work towards a consensual rereading »
Hence this recommendation, read by Father Eric Okpeitcha, deputy secretary general of the episcopal conference: “ The Episcopal Conference of Benin invites the government and the National Assembly to work towards a consensual rereading in a spirit of truth and in the best interest of the Nation. The social peace that the rereading of the electoral code will promote is also based on dialogue, factors of reconciliation, mutual forgiveness and the bringing together of all parties for the well-being of all. »
Many of them are asking for this rereading: the opposition, civil society… The clergy explains that the sole aim of their approach is to guide the electoral code towards transparent, inclusive, free and democratic elections. The government has not yet reacted.
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