Politics of Benin
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Template:Politics of Benin The Republic of Benin is a presidential democratic republic. The current political system is derived from the 1990 Constitution of Benin and the subsequent transition to democracy in 1991.
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Development of political system
From the 17th century till the colonial period, the Kingdom of Dahomey (whose borders encompassed more than present day Benin) was ruled by an "Oba". The French were the colonial power from 1892 till 1960, when independence was finally achieved. Between 1960 and 1972, a succession of military coups in Benin (known until 1975 as the Republic of Dahomey) brought about many changes of government. The last of these brought to power Major Mathieu Kérékou as the head of a regime professing strict Marxist-Leninist principles. The Revolutionary Party of the People of Benin (PRPB) remained in complete power until the beginning of the 1990s. Kérékou, encouraged by France and other democratic powers, convened a National Conference that introduced a new democratic constitution and held presidential and legislative elections. Kérékou's principal opponent at the presidential poll, and the ultimate victor, was Prime Minister Nicéphore Soglo. Supporters of Soglo also secured a majority in the National Assembly.
Benin was thus the first African country to successfully effect the transition from dictatorship to a pluralistic political system. In the second round of National Assembly elections held in March 1995, Soglo's political vehicle, the Parti de la Renaissance du Benin, was the largest single party but lacked an overall majority. The success of a party formed by supporters of ex-president Kérékou, who had officially retired from active politics, encouraged him to stand successfully at both the 1996 and 2001 presidential elections.
Constitution
In part spurred by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the resultant lack of donor support from the superpower, as well as an economic crisis within the country, Benin adopted a new constitution in 1990 in order to open up and liberalise the political system and economy. Its chief aims are to enshrine in law accountability, transparency, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, separation of governmental powers, the right to strike, universal suffrage (at age 18) and independence of the judiciary.
These developments have created economic growth in Benin, but some of the bold ideals of the constitution have yet to be fully realised. Lack of accountability and transparency, failure to separate the judiciary from the political system, and high levels of illiteracy are the main stumbling blocks. Additionally, state employees are poorly paid, which makes them susceptible to bribery and corruption. There are unresolved issues with many pre-constitution laws which contradict the constitution. Many of the older laws derive from French legal norms as France was the former colonial power. Critics have also complained that the constitution makes no mention of the right to an adequate standard of living.
Since being written, the constitution has been translated into eight of the national languages of Benin. Broadcasts on local radio stations, in both in urban and rural areas, have publicised the constitution across the country.
Government
Cotonou is the seat of government. Porto-Novo is the official capital.
The President
The President of Benin is elected for a five year term. An individual can serve only two terms. Hence the current incumbent, Mathieu Kérékou, cannot contest the next Presidential election. Election is by absolute majority which, after a second round if necessary.
Candidates must be:
- Beninese by birth, or have had Beninese nationality for 10 years
- Between the ages of 40 and 70 on the date of his candidacy
- Resident in Benin during elections
- Declared mentally and physically fit by three doctors
The Cabinet
The Cabinet is under the authority of the President, and serves to advise and help formulate strategies. It also liaises with ministries and other government institutions.
The Courts
The Constitutional Court allows private citizens to challenge the government. This has been used particularly in cases of workplace discrimination. The Supreme Court has the highest level of jurisdiction in legal matters. It is designed as a check on the executive, and also acts in a consultative role. The High Court of Justice, which cannot include the President, is made up of members of the Constitutional Court, Parliament and the president of the Supreme Court. It alone can judge the President.
Audiovisual and Communication Authority
This institution guarantees the freedom of the press and access to the media. It is also charged with ensuring all citizens have access to official information.
Ministries
Senior ministers in the current government include:
- Mathieu Kérékou President of the Republic, Head of State and Government
- Bruno Amoussou, Minister of State
- Pierre Osho, Minister of State, in charge of National Defence
- Dorothée Sossa Guardian of Seals, Minister of Justice, Legislation and Human Rights
- Daniel Tawéma, Minister of the Interior, Security and Decentralisation
- Rogatien Biaou, Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration
- Grégoire Laourou, Minister of Finance and Economy
- Alain Adihou, Minister of Relationships with Institutions, Civil Society and the Beninese of the Diaspora
- Lazare Sčhouéto, Minister of Agriculture, Breeding and Fishery
The Benin government's website has a full list (http://www.gouv.bj/en/administrations/gouvernement/structure_top.php) and a selection of photos (http://www.gouv.bj/en/administrations/gouvernement/structure_top.php) of senior ministers.
National Assembly
The National Assembly is the Parliament of Benin - the primary legislative body. Ministers are elected every four years, in contrast to the five year term of the president. There are 83 available seats. It exercises the legislative power and controls the Government action. Members of the army are not allowed to stand unless they resign from their military position.
Political parties
The current ruling coalition is called the Presidential Movement and is made up of the Union of Tomorrow's Benin (UBF), African Movement for Democracy and Progress (MADEP), Key Force (FC), Impulse for Progress and Democracy (IPD), and 4 other small parties. The main opposition parties include the Renaissance Party du Benin (PRB), Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Front for Renewal and Development (FARD-ALAFIA), and the Alliance of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Politics in Benin tend to center around specific people and non-partisan coalitions rather than parties.
- For a fuller list, see List of political parties in Benin.
Recent elections
During the 2001 presidential elections alleged irregularities led to a boycott of the run-off poll by the main opposition candidates. The four top-ranking contenders following the first round presidential elections were Mathieu Kerekou (incumbent) 45.4%, Nicephore Soglo (former president) 27.1%, Adrien Houngbedji (National Assembly Speaker) 12.6%, and Bruno Amoussou (Minister of State) 8.6%. The second round balloting, originally scheduled for March 18, 2001, was postponed for days because both Soglo and Houngbedji withdrew, alleging electoral fraud. This left Kerekou to run against his own Minister of State, Amoussou, in what was termed a "friendly match". The next presidential elections are due to be held in March 2006.
In the 2003 National Assembly elections, the results were PRB 27, PRD 11, FARD-ALAFIA 10, PSD 9, MADEPO 6, Alliance Etoile 4, Alliance IPD 4, CAR-DUNYA 3, MERCI 2, other 7. The next National Assembly elections will be held in March 2007.
- See also: Elections in Benin
International organizations
ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIPONUH, MONUC, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
External links
Benin Government Portal (http://www.gouv.bj/en/index.php)
US State Department report (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2003/27712.htm)