Benin’s president will tighten his grip on power

Significance

Yet only five political parties are allowed to take part: the number of recognised political parties has been dramatically reduced following electoral changes in recent years that have benefitted President Patrice Talon’s ruling coalition. The forthcoming polls are crucial for the 2021 presidential elections, as candidates need endorsement from at least 16 mayors and MPs to be eligible to run.

Impacts

• Talon’s reform project is unlikely to curb political participation along regional and ethnic lines over the medium term.
• Recent reforms give Talon a major comparative advantage for the 2021 presidential poll.
• Political polarisation will increase the country’s vulnerabilities to jihadist infiltration with the security forces stretched.