Political crisis

The approval and reputation of President Talon were seriously damaged in the wake of the 2019 parliamentary elections, which saw the government democratically backslide by drastically restricting the eligibility of political parties, with only two pro-government parties able to run, excluding any opposition parties. The center-left Progressive Union and the centrist Republican Bloc, the two pro-government parties created for the election, won all the seats in parliament, meaning no opposition movements would have a direct voice in legislative matters. Opposition parties called for a boycott of the election, which led to a record low 23% voter turnout, down from 65% in the previous election.^[3]

The opposition again accused the president of authoritarianism and called for an end to the vote-counting process and the organization of new elections without success.^[2][4][5] Two days after the election, Amnesty International released a statement denouncing "the wave of arbitrary arrests of political activists and journalists and the repression of peaceful protests".^[6] The election was also marked by a complete Internet shutdown on the day of the vote, an action criticized by the opposition, civil society and international observers, the level of repression on the part of the government was described as "alarming".^{[7][8][9][10]} The days following the election involved violent clashes between protesters and security forces, with the latter firing tear gas and live ammunition, while protesters burning tires and throwing various objects.^[11][12] Amnesty International denounced the death of four protesters as well as continued arbitrary arrests, which led to the serious injury of another protester. A strong security contingent was deployed on the streets of Cotonou and Porto-Novo leading up to the investiture ceremony for the new Assembly. Para Commandos, anti-riot vehicles, the CRS and units of the Republican Guard were all deployed to maintain order.^[13][14]

Nevertheless, a six-month political dialogue process led to an agreement on rules regarding electoral participation. During the 2020 municipal elections, only five political parties were validated by the central election authority, down from 34 parties and alliances in the 2015 municipal elections.^[15][16] The Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin was the only opposition party to exceed the 10% vote threshold needed for representation.^[17] This has led to some international observers questioning the strength of democracy in the country, which had previously been considered one of the more stable in Africa, due to an increasing restrictive and authoritarian bent, a loss of political pluralism, and key political rivals of President Talon either in exile or excluded from political participation.^[18][19]

Preparation for the 2021 elections

As the 2021 elections approached, the incumbent president was seen as theoretically the only person able to run as a candidate. A 2019 revision to the constitution imposed a requirement that candidates need receive the nomination of 10% of the total MPs and mayors (about 16 sponsors). However, 160 of the electoral officials (83 Members of Parliament and 77 mayors) concerned belong to pro-government parties.^[19][20] Only six mayors belonging to the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin make up the opposition, with the party lacking a Member of Parliament.^[21] President Talon promised to "do everything" to organize an inclusive, open ballot for his opponents to obtain nomination, a move seen by opposition parties as the president's way to "cherry pick" his challengers.^[22][23] The Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin, as well as the Democrats (a new party created by supporters of former president Boni Yayi) fear they will be designated as trojan horses by President Talon.^[24] The leader of the Democrats, Reckya Madougou, was arrested on 3 March 2021 and charged with "financing terrorism".^[25]

Protests

In April 2021 protests occurred in several Beninese cities in light of Talon's decision to stand for re-election after initially stating he would only serve for one term. Demonstrations were noted to have occurred in the commercial capital, Cotonou, as well as the city of Parakou in the centre of the country.^[26] On 8 April 2021 it was reported that two protestors had been shot dead and five more injured by security forces in Savè.^[27]