By RFIPalled on 23-04-2019Modified on 23-04-2019 at 01:33

In Benin, in view of the legislative elections of April 28, the two lists in competition, that of the Republican Bloc and that of the Progressive Union, are both sponsored by President Patrice Talon. All the opposition parties were excluded from the race, for lack of tax clearance or certificate of compliance with the new charter of political parties.

Elections in Benin without the opposition, we had not seen this since the introduction of multipartism, 30 years ago. Result: a campaign much less animated than usual, a campaign that takes place amidst concerns, even tension. At the major crossroads in Cotonou, we see policemen accompanied by some soldiers.

It is in this unprecedented climate where the tension is quite perceptible that the candidates of the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union are trying to animate the campaign, far from the usual enthusiasm. Orden Alladatin of the Progressive Union recognizes this.

" Usually, there are plenty of parties running, lots of nominations, those who can win, those who can not win ... everyone goes there. We are in an environment of sanitation of the political landscape. So, there are big groupings. There are two parties in the running but, in fact, there are 150 political parties grouped together. So, two parties necessarily have less atmosphere, "he said.

A few days before the vote, many people are a little groggy, often worried. On Monday, during the Easter Mass at Notre-Dame-de-Miséricorde Cathedral, many faithful prayed for peace.

On the side of the authorities, it is ensured that the vote will take place Sunday " in conditions of security and serenity quite suitable ".

We are in danger. The people are in danger. We are exposed. The single party has settled. We do not have the freedom to vote, the freedom of choice.

Reactions collected after Mass at the Notre-Dame-de-Miséricorde cathedral in Cotonou

23-04-2019 - By Carine Frenk

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