Benin’s political opposition has failed to secure any seats in parliament following provisional results from the January 11 legislative elections, leaving the National Assembly entirely controlled by parties aligned with President Patrice Talon.
According to results released over the weekend, the Progressive Union for Renewal won 60 of the 109 parliamentary seats, while the Republican Bloc secured the remaining 49. The two pro-government parties collectively obtained more than 77% of the vote, pending validation by the Constitutional Court.
The main opposition party, The Democrats, garnered 16.14% of the vote but fell short of the 20% threshold required for parliamentary representation. The threshold was raised from 10% under electoral code reforms passed in 2024. The Democrats previously held more than 20 seats in the legislature.
The election took place weeks after a failed coup attempt against President Talon and ahead of a presidential election scheduled to mark the end of his 10-year tenure. Analysts warn the outcome could weaken institutional checks on executive power and further marginalise opposition voices.
Opposition figures alleged electoral irregularities, including delayed polling station openings, shortages of voting materials and exclusion from the vote-counting process. The electoral commission acknowledged minor logistical challenges but said they were swiftly resolved.
Voter turnout for the election was reported at 36.73%.