Democracy in Benin

Benin’s incumbent president, Patrice Talon, secured re-election with 86% of the vote in a contest where several key opponents were barred from running. Opposition protests over the result were met with a heavy security presence, and international observers raised concerns over the shrinking political space. In parliamentary elections, pro-Talon parties won all seats after the opposition boycotted the polls, with voter turnout reported at just under 30%.