By RFIPosted on 04-28-2019Modified on 28-04-2019 at 21:05

In Benin, a country renowned for being an example of democracy in West Africa, voters were called to the polls this Sunday to elect their deputies in a historic election where the opposition was not allowed to run. According to some observers on the spot, the country has never experienced such a situation. As a result, this is felt in polling stations.

On the participation rate, the report of journalists in Cotonou and Porto Novo, is that there was no affluence in the offices they visited. A finding that the count confirmed in places. All the opposition leaders who called for the boycott shunned the vote. None of them moved.

National estimates of observers and the Electoral Commission are expected. Neither the opposition nor the power does not yet release figures but we expect a war of the figures on the participation rate, one of the major stakes of this election.

In Cotonou there were no major incidents. On the other hand, the day was hot in the North, with violent demonstrations that prevented the vote from being held in Tchaourou-center, the birthplace of former President Boni Yayi.

In Parakou, the most important city in the North, very mobile young people have gone to several polling stations to ransack the urns or to burn them. Glazoué and Savè, two Hill towns, were also shaken by violence. Good sources, we learn that there were six arrests in Glazoué.

The Cena have not yet made its point of the day. As for the first trends, the electoral commission promises them for Tuesday.

Counting at the Porto Novo primary school, out of 409 enrollments there are 46 voters

No more people in the late afternoon in Porto Novo at the counting time all day long. Usually in Benin, voters come in large numbers to attend this crucial stage of an electoral process. These are moments of vigilance, moments when we check that each voice is counted, that a newsletter is not unfairly canceled.

Sunday night in Porto Novo, none of this. Only a handful of citizens moved. Some of them boycotted the poll today, but they come to make sure no one is " inflating the turnout, " as they say.

For the rest, it is almost general indifference. " Republican Bloc or Progressive Union, what is the difference, all are children of our president, " says a supporter of the opposition.

The very strong tension this morning has fallen over the day. No disorder has been reported in Porto Novo. The security device was discreet. And this image that remains in the minds: that of deserted schoolyards. " I'm 50, I've never seen that, I have to admit it, " said one voter.

In the polling station number 1 of the Avakpa school: out of 409 registered, there are 46 voters.

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