What Do Benin’s Elections Say About Democratic Progress in Africa?

Last week featured several important elections across Africa. In a major test of democratic institutions on the continent, some states took a step in the wrong direction: Denis Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo extended his eighteen-year presidency after removing constitutional age limits on his position. In Zanzibar, tensions rose as the opposition CUF party boycotted the elections, enabling incumbent President Ali Mohamed Shein to win on the CCM ticket.  

But others continued to make progress: Benin extended its impressive run of democratic rule following Patrice Talon’s upset victory over Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou in last Sunday’s runoff. The successful transition in such a tightly contested election provides a glimpse of what multiparty elections may look like across the continent in the near future.

The election was not without its drama and political infighting. In the first round over thirty candidates competed for Benin’s highest position of power, with Zinsou coming in first with 27.1 percent of the vote, followed closely by Talon. However, because he did not win a majority, the election extended into a second round, pitting Zinsou and Talon against each other.

Zinsou, a respected economist handpicked by outgoing president Yayi Boni, was projected to easily win the election. However, he faced immense criticism during the campaign from the opposition that he was out of touch with the average Beninese due to his close ties to France. Several opponents called him "yovo" or "the white man.”

Talon, a business magnate who dominates Benin’s lucrative cotton industry, spent much of his campaign criticizing both Boni’s and Zinsou while stressing his successful track record. Many Beninese became drawn to his humble background and promise to created thousands of more jobs in the country.

In the runoff Talon gained more momentum, propelling him to 65.4 percent of the total vote. Following announcement of the results, Zinsou was quick to concede defeat.

With another successful election wrapped up, Benin continues exemplify itself as one of Africa’s most vibrant democracies. Its several decades of democratic rule contrast the events in Congo and also Burundi earlier this year. Other countries have also made progress

The case of Benin illustrates how successive peaceful elections can create institutional memory, improving the likelihood that the following election will also go smoothly. As more and more African countries elect their heads of state with limited controversy and violence, one can get a better picture of what democracy on the continent will look like.

For one, the Benin’s election involved successful political consolidation. Following the first round, Talon worked to gain the support of 22 opposition candidates. Even though Zissou had the support of the two of the biggest opposition parties, Talon, who ran as an independent, garnered enough diverse allies to pull ahead in the runoff. This type of successful coalition building is only possible in multiparty states, and it institutionalizes cooperation and partnership in government.

Another notable aspect of the election was participation of private sector candidates not originally from the political elite. Zinsou made his name working at banks in France, while Talon rose to dominate the cotton industry and manage Benin’s biggest port in Cotonou. Several other candidates hailed from business backgrounds: Sebastien Ajavon is known as the poultry baron of Benin, while Bio Tchane and Pascal Koupaki worked in the IMF. Such a diverse array of candidates can reflect a strengthening of democratic institutions, as experienced individuals can feel safe about running for office without fear of punishment from the incumbent government.

There was also the notable role and efficacy of the Beninese diaspora, which is about a one third of the size of country’s actual population. Approximately 300,000 Beninese living abroad were able to vote in this election, giving them a small yet sizable influence on the outcome. Often times African emigrants are limited from participating in elections, as they tend to represent opposition groups; in Benin, however, the diaspora has been able to vote since 1995. Increasing democratization across the government will likely mean that each country’s diaspora population will be given a larger voice in elections, giving them a role in policymaking as well.

Benin’s success story is not an isolated case, however. The past year of elections has shown how the continent is becoming increasingly democratic: the successful transition of power in Nigeria and the return to multiparty rule in Burkina Faso can set precedents for peers and subsequent governments to follow. Benin’s elections illustrate how as democratic institutions mature, they can instill more inclusivity and cooperation in the political process.