The Beninese called to the polls against the backdrop of an epidemic

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More than 5 million Beninese voters are summoned this Sunday, May 16 to the polls for the municipal elections, the fourth since the democratic renewal in February 1990. The municipal councilors of 77 municipalities will be elected.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Cotonou , Jean-Luc Aplogan

Five political parties are in the running for this Sunday's municipal elections: four pro-Talon parties and a single opposition party, the FCBE, weakened by the resignation of its founder Boni Yayi. Sébastien Adjavon's USL and Candide Azanai's Restoring Hope are however absent. The five competing parties present lists in 546 boroughs. To claim the allocation of seats, they must achieve a score of 10% at the national level.

The electoral reform has favored national anchoring and now imposes sponsorship on all candidates for the presidential election of 2021. And this is already being played out during these communals. To present a presidential candidate in 2021, the opposition, which has no deputy in Parliament, will have to win at least 16 municipalities to guarantee the 16 sponsorships required.

Some 12,000 members of the security forces are deployed. In particular, their mission will be to enforce barrier gestures: hand washing, social distancing and wearing masks in the voting centers. According to the Minister of Health, Benjamin Hounkpatin, the government provided the electoral commission with 5 million masks and 30,000 bottles of hydroalcoholic gel.

The offices are open at 7 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. local time. Given the political and health context, the participation rate will be particularly scrutinized.

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