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Benin

Boundary Delimitation
Direct Democracy
Electoral Management
Electoral Systems
Legislative Framework
Media and Elections
Parties and Candidates
Vote Counting
Voter Education
Voting Operations
Voter Registration

Boundary Delimitation

BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?

a. Yes

Comments: Les circonscriptions sont découpées lors des élections. C'est pour cette raison qu'après celles-ci, elles retrouvent leur statut juridique et administratif d'avant ( sous prefectures ou circonscriptions urbaines ).
Source: article 2 de la loi n°98-036 du 15 Janvier 1999 portant modification de la loi n°94-015 du 27 Janvier 1995 définissant les règles particulières pour l'élection des membres de l'Assemblée Nationale.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 15:11:31 UTC

BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:

a. The legislature (national/subnational)

Comments: Comme toute société démocratique, la loi est du domaine du pouvoir législatif au Bénin.
Source: voir article 98 point 14 de la Constitution du 11 Décembre 1990
Last updated: 2005-01-19 15:38:42 UTC

BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?

a. "Equality" of population

Comments: Il est à noter que la concentration démographique entre en ligne de compte pour le découpage. Ceci transparaît clairement dans l'attribution des sièges qui a presidé au découpage. A preuve, l'ancien département de l'Atlantique ( actuel Atlantique et littoral ) qui est le 1/3 de l'Atacora élit 18 Députés contre 11 pour l'Atacora.
Source: Mr théodule et Voir article 2 nouveau de la loi n°98.036 du 15 Janvier 1999 portant modification de la loi 94.015 du 27 Janvier 1995 définissant les règles particulières pour l'élection des membres de l'Assemblée Nationale.
Last updated: 2005-01-22 16:17:32 UTC

BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?

d. Number of voters in last election

Comments: Il fallait 60 000 habitants pour élir un Député. Cette disposition a été modifiée par l'article 2 nouveau de la loi n¡98.036 du 15 Janvier 1999
Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi.
Last updated: 2005-01-22 16:19:55 UTC

BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:

a. Legislature (specify chamber)

Comments: Il résulte de l'article 79 de la Constitution du 11 Décembre 1990 que le Parlement au Bénin est constituépar une Assemblée unique.
Source: Voir 98(point14) de la Constitution du 11 Décembre 1990
Last updated: 2005-01-19 15:40:19 UTC

BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?

a. Changes in number of total population

Source: Mr théodule Nouatchi Enseignant d'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-01-22 16:22:37 UTC

Direct Democracy

DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.

a. Name and Title: DAOUDA OUEDRAOGO
b. Job Title: consultant
d. Contact Address. 01 BP 3166 OUAGA 01
e. Telephone: 0022678858694
g. Email: dao_80@hotmail.com

Last updated: 2005-04-23 10:46:02 UTC

DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level? Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:

a. Mandatory referendum

b. Optional referendum

c. Citizens' initiative

d. Agenda initiative

e. Recall

Comments: The issue of petition is adressed in chapter 7 of the internal regulations of the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution (1990), Articles 4; 58; 108. Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 121.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?

a. Constitutional

b. Specific laws/legislation

Comments: The conditions for holding referendums are determined by an Organic Law.
Source: Constitution, Article 4.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 14:39:24 UTC

DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?

a. Constitutional

b. Specific laws/legislation

Source: Constitution, Articles 4; 108; 155
Last updated: 2005-06-28 14:46:52 UTC

DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?

d. Other

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 121.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?

b. Specific laws/legislation

Source: Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 121.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:56:25 UTC

DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?

a. Constitutional

Source: Constitution, Articles, 84; 137 and 138.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:56:48 UTC

DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.

a. Constitutional

b. Specific laws/legislation

Source: Constitution, Article 4.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 14:56:13 UTC

DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.

a. Constitutional

Source: Constitution, Article 58 and 108.
Last updated: 2005-06-29 07:27:00 UTC

DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.

b. Specific laws/legislation

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 121.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:28:59 UTC

DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?

a. All signatures checked

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin .
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:31:39 UTC

DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?

a. All signatures checked

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:32:19 UTC

DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?

d. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-04-23 14:36:06 UTC

DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?

d. Other (specify)

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:33:38 UTC

DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?

f. Other (specify)

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:35:56 UTC

DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?

e. Registered electors

f. Other (specify)

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 22:09:11 UTC

DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?

g. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:38:08 UTC

DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?

h. None

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin .
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:42:01 UTC

DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.

b. Specific laws/legislation

Source: Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Chapter 7, Article 151.
Last updated: 2005-06-29 07:35:40 UTC

DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?

h. None

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin .
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:43:08 UTC

DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?

i. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:44:44 UTC

DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?

g. None

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:46:10 UTC

DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?

g. None

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:46:51 UTC

DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?

h. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:47:30 UTC

DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?

c. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:48:21 UTC

DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?

c. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:49:16 UTC

DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?

c. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:50:04 UTC

DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:52:23 UTC

DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:55:18 UTC

DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.

a. Constitutional

Source: Constitution, Articles 84; 138.
Last updated: 2005-06-29 07:48:03 UTC

DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:56:40 UTC

DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.

g. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:59:16 UTC

DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.

g. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 22:02:33 UTC

DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.

g. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 22:03:11 UTC

DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?

a. sans objet

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 22:04:56 UTC

DD125 Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?

a. Yes

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-16 22:59:56 UTC

DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?

a. contrôle de la haute autorité de l'audiovisuel et de la communication

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD127 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?

e. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-04-23 15:16:00 UTC

DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level? Date (yyyy)

a. Mandatory referendum 1960
b. Optional referendum 1960
c. Citizens' initiative 1960
d. Agenda initiative 1960
e. Recall 1960

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:58:30 UTC

DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)

a. Mandatory referendum 1960
b. Optional referendum 1960
c. Citizens' initiative 1960
d. Agenda initiative 1960
e. Recall 1960

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:58:49 UTC

DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?

e. Other (specify who)

Source: Voir article 4 de la constitution et les articles 71 et 72 de la loi n°91-009 du 04 mars 1991 portant loi organique sur la cour constitutionnelle modifiée par la loi du 17 juin 1997 et mise en conformité avec la constitution le 11 juillet 2000.
Last updated: 2005-02-16 13:45:18 UTC

DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?

b. No

Source: Law n°2000-18 (3rd of January 2001)concerning general regulations for elections in the Republic of Benin, Article 40.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:02:10 UTC

DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Constitution, Articles 4 and 58.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Constitution, Articles 4 and 58.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi, student of Law at the University of Benin. Internal regulations for the National Assembly, Article 121.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Internal regulations for the National Assembly, Article 121.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:10:20 UTC

DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Law n°97-029 (15th of January 1999), concerning the organisation of municipalities in the Republic of Benin, Articles 53 and 54.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:13:22 UTC

DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi, student of Law at the University of Benin. Constitution, Articles 4 and 58.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?

a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes

Comments: Article 108 (General and common principles) 1. The electors registered in the electoral census in the national territory shall have the right to pronounce themselves through a referendum on any matter relevant to national or local interest. Article 110 (Local Referendum) 1. The local referendum shall cover matters that are of exclusive competence of the organs of local administration and shall always have deliberative effect. 2. The local referendum shall be convened by the Mayor at the initiative of the Municipality, the Municipal Assembly or, at the initiative of, at least, ten percent of the electors registered in the electoral census of the area of the local administration where the consultation takes place. 3. The convening of a referendum shall be approved by the majority of two thirds of the members of the Municipal Assembly on active duty.
Source: Constitution of Cape Verde, Aritcle 108 and 110
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi, student of Law at the University of Benin. Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 121.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 121.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:20:43 UTC

DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?

c. No

Source: Law n°97-029 (15th of January 1999) concerning the organisation of municipalities in the Republic of Benin, Articles 53 and 54.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:23:29 UTC

DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?

a. Constitutional amendments

j. Other (specify)

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi, student of Law at the University of Benin. Constitution, Articles 108 and 155.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?

a. Constitutional amendments

b. Adoption of international treaties

i. Other public policy issues

Source: Constitution, Articles 58; 108; 155.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:26:41 UTC

DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?

k. None

Source: Constitution, Article 108.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:27:53 UTC

DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?

e. None

Source: Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 98.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:29:05 UTC

DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?

c. President

f. Other (specify)

Source: Constitution, Articles 4; 58 and 108.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:30:01 UTC

DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?

f. Other (specify who)

Source: Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Articles 98.3 et 99.1.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:31:19 UTC

DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?

f. Other (specify who)

Source: Constitution, Articles 4 and 108. Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 98.3.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?

e. Other (specify)

Source: Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 98.3.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:34:23 UTC

DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?

e. Other (specify)

Source: Internal regulations of the National Assembly concerning special legislative procedures , Chapter 3, Section 1, Article 98.3.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 13:37:01 UTC

DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?

d. Legislature

Source: Constitution, Article 4. Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 98.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?

d. Legislature

Source: Constitution, Article 4. Internal regulations of the National Assembly, Article 98.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.

d. Not applicable OUI

Source: Mr Théodule nouatchi enseignant d'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:18:03 UTC

DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.

d. Not applicable OUI

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:19:19 UTC

DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?

e. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule nouathi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:20:24 UTC

DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?

e. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:21:24 UTC

DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election? Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.

f. Other

Source: Loi n°91-009 du 4 mars 1991 portant loi organique sur la cour constitutionnelle modifiée par la loi du 17 juin 1997 et mise en conformité avec la constitution le 11 juillet 2000.
Last updated: 2005-02-18 11:12:33 UTC

DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?

b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)

Source: Voir Chapitre 7(intitulé:Du contrôle de la régularité du reférendum et la proclamation des résultats) de la loi N°91-009 du 4 mars 1991 portant loi organique sur la cour constitutionnelle modifiée par la loi du 17 juin 1997 et mise en conformité avec la constitution le 11 juillet 2000.
Last updated: 2005-02-18 11:44:44 UTC

DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?

b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)

Source: Voir Chapitre 7(intitulé:Du contrôle de la régularité du reférendum et la proclamation des résultats) de la loi N°91-009 du 4 mars 1991 portant loi organique sur la cour constitutionnelle modifiée par la loi du 17 juin 1997 et mise en conformité avec la constitution le 11 juillet 2000.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 21:26:58 UTC

DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?

d. Not applicable

Source: Mr théodule nouatchi enseignant d'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-02-26 15:47:52 UTC

DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?

c. Other (specify)

Source: Mr théodule nouatchi. Voir article 121 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale relatif aux pétitions.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?

j. Other (specify)

Source: voir article 121 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale .
Last updated: 2005-02-23 13:34:23 UTC

DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?

j. Other (specify)

Source: Voir article 121 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-02-26 15:55:18 UTC

DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the “Comments” section below.

a. A number of individuals

Source: Articles 121.1 ET 121.2 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale
Last updated: 2005-02-26 16:01:13 UTC

DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the “Comments” section below.

a. A number of individuals

Source: Voir articles 121.1 et 121.2 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-02-26 16:03:46 UTC

DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?

a. Proposed title

c. Full proposed text

d. Other (specify)

Source: Article 121.2 du règlement intérieur de l'assembée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 13:45:22 UTC

DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?

a. Proponents of the initiative

Source: Article 121.1 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 13:48:49 UTC

DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?

a. Proponents of the initiative

Source: voir article 121.1 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 13:49:29 UTC

DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?

h. Not applicable

Source: Aticles 122.2 et 122.3 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-05-12 23:00:55 UTC

DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?

c. Other (specify)

Source: voir article 121 de la constitution et les articles 22 et 23 de la loi organique sur la cour constitutionnelle.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 21:11:40 UTC

DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?

f. Other (specify)

Source: articles 114 et 121 de la constitution.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 21:12:48 UTC

DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?

e. Other (specify)

Source: Voir article 121 al.2 de la constitution et les articles 22 et 23 de la loi organique sur la cour constitutionnelle.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 21:20:11 UTC

DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?

f. Other (specify who)

Source: voir articles 122.2;122.3;122.4 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 21:30:49 UTC

DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?

c. Other (specify)

Source: Article 122 du règlement intérieur.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 21:32:54 UTC

DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?

d. Other (specify)

Source: Voir articles 122.3;122.4;122.5 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 21:43:54 UTC

DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi
Last updated: 2005-02-23 21:47:33 UTC

DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?

c. Legislature

Source: article 122.4 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-02-23 21:51:44 UTC

DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:

d. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin et voir aussi les articles 122.4 et 122.5 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?

a. Members of the national legislature

c. Other national level elected executive positions

f. Governors, Mayors or equivalent

g. Other provincial/local level elected executive positions

i. Elected judges

Source: Voir la loi n°97-029 du 15 janvier 1999 portant organisation des communes en république du bénin en ses articles 53 et 54 et la loi n°98-006 du 09 mars 2000 portant régime communal et municipal en république du bénin. Voir l'article 138 de la constitution et les articles 23 et 60 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblmée nationale.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?

a. Political or policy grounds

b. Indictment

c. Conviction

d. Moral turpitude

f. Other (specify)

Source: Voir article 53 de la loi n°97-029 du 15 janvier 1999 portant organisation des communes en république du bénin. voir aussi l'article 138 de la constitution et les articles 23 et 60 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale pour mieux comprendre les réponses même si ces articles ne mentionnent pas directement la notion de destitution.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?

a. pas de restrictions

Source: Voir article 53 de la loi n° 97-029 du 15 janvier 1999 portant organisation des communes en république du bénin et article 23 alinéas 2 et 3 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale.
Last updated: 2005-05-12 23:41:32 UTC

DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?

c. Other (specify)

Source: Voir articles 137 et 138 de la constitution; article 23 du rèlgement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale,article 53 de la loi n°97-029 du 15 janvier 1999 portant organisation des communes au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 15:33:18 UTC

DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?

b. Separately and subsequently

Source: Voir article 50 de la constitution;article 23 alinéa 4 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale;article 60 de la loi n° 97-029 du 15 janvier 1999 portant organisation des communes au bénin
Last updated: 2005-04-23 11:06:13 UTC

DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?

a. Le délai est relatif à la fonction occupée par le destitué

Source: Voir article 50 de la constitution;article 23 alinéa 4 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale;article 60 de la loi n° 97-029 du 15 janvier 1999 portant organisation des communes au bénin
Last updated: 2005-04-23 11:20:38 UTC

DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?

b. No

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin et voir les articles 6 et 23 du code électoral 2001 relatifs au conditions requises pour être éligibles.
Last updated: 2005-04-23 12:07:14 UTC

DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

e. Not applicable oui

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 20:34:39 UTC

DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

e. Not applicable OUI

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 20:36:35 UTC

DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

e. Not applicable OUI

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignat de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 20:39:19 UTC

DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

e. Not applicable OUI.

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-05-06 20:41:35 UTC

DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?

c. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?

c. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?

c. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?

c. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?

e. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?

e. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?

e. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?

e. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin. (article 121 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale)
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.

e. Not applicable oui

Source: Voir articles 137 et 138 de la constitution 1990; article 23 du rèlgement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale,article 53 de la loi n°97-029 du 15 janvier 1999 portant organisation des communes au bénin
Last updated: 2005-04-23 13:45:56 UTC

DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?

c. Not applicable

Source: Articles 137 et 138 constitution 1990; article 23 alinéa 2,3,4 du rèlgement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale,article 53 de la loi n°97-029 du 15 janvier 1999 portant organisation des communes au bénin
Last updated: 2005-04-23 14:01:07 UTC

DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?

g. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?

g. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?

a. Anywhere

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin. Article 121.2 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?

a. Anywhere

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin
Last updated: 2005-04-23 14:08:09 UTC

DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?

d. None

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?

d. None

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?

c. Other (specify)

Source: Article 121.2 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?

c. Other (specify)

Source: article 121.2 du règlement intérieur de l'assemblée nationale
Last updated: 2005-04-23 14:19:18 UTC

DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?

e. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2005-04-23 14:23:11 UTC

DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD98 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

DD99 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?

f. Not applicable

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi enseignant de droit à l'université au bénin.
Last updated: 2008-02-26 07:34:31 UTC

Electoral Management

EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:

a. Name of Institution Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome (CENA)
f. Website Address www.cenabenin.org
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr Ibrahim adam soulé
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections français

Comments: La structure telle que actuellement par les textes n'a pas de caractère permanent entre deux élections.
Source: Voir article 40 du code électoral pour le nom de l'organisme chargé de la gestion des élections.
Last updated: 2005-04-05 15:17:38 UTC

EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:

a. National level

b. Regional level

c. Local level

Comments: La CENA dispose à ce effet de structures décentralisées dénommées Commission Electorale Départementale (CED) ou Locale(CEL).
Source: Articles 43,44 et 45 du code électoral .
Last updated: 2005-01-17 19:00:11 UTC

EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:

f. Other

Comments: L'organisme national de gestion des élections rend compte à la cour constitutionnelle. La CENA est autonome dans son budjet, et aussi par rapport au gouvernement, au parlement, aux démembrements ministériels.
Source: Article 46 dU code électoral.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 19:04:34 UTC

EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:

g. Other

Comments: La CENA établit son budget qu'il soumet au gouvernement.
Source: article 40 du code électoral relatif à l'autonomie de gestion du budget.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 20:23:16 UTC

EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:

g. Other

Comments: Tout comme les autres finances publiques, le ministère des finances contrôle les dépenses, ainsi que la cour des comptes.
Source: Constitution et code électoral.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 21:20:25 UTC

EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:

a. For the election period only

Comments: Le délai est de un mois et demi entre l'installation de la CENA et les élections. Il faut noter cependent qu'un décret du 22 janvier 1999 met à la disposition de la CENA un sécrétariat administratif permanent(SAP), structure permanent d'appui, mais qui n'a pas encore fonctionné.
Source: Loi n°2003-02 du 27 janvier 2003 portant dérogation à l'article 41 de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 janvier 2001 portant règles générales pour les élections en république du BENIN.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 21:40:42 UTC

EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:

b. Legislative appointment

c. Civil service appointment

e. Governmental appointment

f. Judicial appointment

g. Other

Comments: La CENA est un organe publique composé de membres nommés par le gouvernement, l'Assemblée Nationale, les magistrats du siège et un membre de la commission des droits de l'Homme.
Source: Loi N 2000-18 du 13 janvier 2001 complétant le code électoral.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 17:59:49 GMT

EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?

Comments: Données non disponibles jusqu'à présent.
Last updated: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 18:06:56 GMT

EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?

Last updated: 2005-01-17 21:55:28 UTC

EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?

Comments: Données non disponibles jusqu'à présent.
Last updated: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 18:19:30 GMT

EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?

Comments: Données non disponibles
Last updated: Tue, 09 Jul 2002 18:18:24 GMT

Electoral Systems

ES01 How is the Head of State selected?

c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)

Comments: Il y a eu deux élections présidentielles qui ont toutes connues des seconds tours.
Source: articles 42 et 43 de la constitution
Last updated: 2005-01-17 13:49:19 UTC

ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?

b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)

Comments: Le Président de la République est en meme temps le chef du gouvernement
Source: Constitution, Article 54.
Last updated: 2005-03-30 10:06:16 UTC

ES03 Does the country have a president?

a. Yes

Source: Constitution, article 41.
Last updated: 2005-03-30 10:06:56 UTC

ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):

a. One chamber

Source: article 79 de la constitution
Last updated: 2005-01-17 13:51:01 UTC

ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?

g. List Proportional Representation

Source: Article 4 de la loi n°94-015 du 27 janvier 1995 remise en vigueur par la loi n°2003-01 du 08 janvier 2003.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 20:02:18 UTC

ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?

k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Comments: Le Parlement Béninois est composé d'une seule chambre.
Source: Article 79 de la constitution
Last updated: 2005-01-18 20:04:50 UTC

ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?

c. Largest Remainder Method (Quota)

Source: Article 4 de la loi n°94-015 du 27 janvier 1995 remise en vigueur par la loi n°2003-01 du 08 janvier 2003.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 20:07:35 UTC

ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?

b. Specially delimited constituencies

Last updated: 2005-01-17 14:01:54 UTC

ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?

d. Not applicable

Source: voir 79 de la constitution
Last updated: 2005-01-16 23:09:29 UTC

ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?

b. No

Comments: Tous les députés sont élus au suffrage universel direct.
Source: Article 80 de la constitution.
Last updated: 2005-01-16 23:10:49 UTC

ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:

e. Not applicable Sans objet.

Source: VOIR ES10
Last updated: 2005-01-22 15:09:52 UTC

ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?

c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Last updated: 2005-01-16 23:11:30 UTC

ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:

e. Not applicable oui

Last updated: 2005-01-17 14:03:42 UTC

ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?

a. No minimum

Comments: Le parlement est constitué en chambre unique au Bénin
Source: Article 4 de la loi n°94-015 du 27 janvier 1995 remise en vigueur par la loi n°2003-01 du 08 janvier 2003 relatives aux élections nationales(législatives).
Last updated: 2005-01-22 15:22:42 UTC

ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?

c. Not applicable

Comments: no chamber 2
Last updated: 2005-01-16 23:14:44 UTC

ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?

a. No minimum

Comments: S'il obtient le nombre de voix égal au quotien électoral de sa circonscription.
Source: Voir ES14
Last updated: 2005-01-22 15:23:31 UTC

ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?

c. Not applicable

Comments: no chamber 2
Last updated: 2005-01-16 23:15:38 UTC

ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:

a. At fixed intervals (specify length)

Source: ARTICLE 80 de la constitution.
Last updated: 2005-01-22 15:34:41 UTC

ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:

e. Not applicable

Comments: no chameber 2
Last updated: 2005-01-16 23:31:43 UTC

ES20 Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):

a. Voting takes place on one day

Source: article 51 du code électoral
Last updated: 2005-01-17 14:11:24 UTC

ES21 Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):

c. Not applicable

Comments: no chamber 2
Last updated: 2005-01-16 23:34:55 UTC

Legislative Framework

LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?

b. Separate legislation

Source: loi n°2000-18 du 03 janvier 2001 portant règles générales pour les élections en république du bénin.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 22:04:09 UTC

LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?

a. January 2000 or later

Comments: Il s'agit de la loi N 98-034 du 15 janvier 1999 portant règles générales pour les élection au Bénin.
Source: loi n°2003-02 du 27 janvier 2003 portant dérogation à l'article 41 de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 janvier 2001 portant règles générales pour les élections en république du bénin.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 22:14:41 UTC

LF03 The national electoral law covers:

a. National elections

b. Regional elections

c. Local elections

Comments: Elle couvre les élections communales, municipales, législatives et présidentielles.
Source: Article premier de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 janvier 2001 portant règles générales pour les élections au Bénin.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 22:21:26 UTC

LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?

a. Voting is voluntary

Comments: Le vote est considéré comme un devoir civique, mais aucune sanction ne s'applique aux personnes qui ne votent pas.
Source: Article 2 de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 janvier 2001.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 22:32:12 UTC

LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?

a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections

Comments: Il n'existe pas de pareilles dispositions au Bénin. Les élections se tiennent séparément. Avec le jeu des mandats, on ne saurait aboutir à un cumul des différentes élections.
Source: Confère art. 5 de la loi 94.015 du 27 Janvier 1995 définissant les règles particulières pour l'élection des membres de l'Assemblée Nationale.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 17:48:08 GMT

LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?

a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections

Comments: La fin du mandat du président et celles des députés ne coïncident pas.
Last updated: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 17:49:04 GMT

LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?

a. Judiciary

Comments: La cour suprême est seule compétente en ce qui concerne le contentieux des élections locales et la cour constitutionnelle pour les législatives, les présidentielles et les référenda.
Source: Articles 117 et 131 de la constitution.voir aussi les articles 88;89 et 90 de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 janvier 2001(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-17 22:44:48 UTC

LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?

h. Not applicable

Last updated: 2005-01-17 22:45:46 UTC

LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?

a. Candidates

Source: Article 49 alinéa 3 de la constitution.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 22:47:43 UTC

LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?

b. Constitutional (or similar) Court

Comments: Ses décisions ne sont susceptibles d'aucun recours.
Source: Article 87 de la Constitution Article 155 du Code Electoral
Last updated: 2005-01-22 11:44:05 UTC

LF11 Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?

b. Legislative Committee

c. Government

f. Other

Comments: Il s'agit du gouvernement ou de l'Assemblée Nationale.
Source: voir article 98 de la Constitution et 122 du code électoral.
Last updated: 2005-01-17 23:00:54 UTC

Media and Elections

ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.

a. Name and Title: Mr OUEDRAOGO DAOUDA
b. Job Title: CONSULTANT
d. Contact Address: s/c EL HADJ ISSA 01 BP 3166 OUAGA 01
e. Telephone: 0022678858694
g. Email: dao_80@hotmail.com

Last updated: 2005-05-03 20:55:37 UTC

ME02 Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Source: Website for Media in Benin (www.mediabenin.org). Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:21:16 UTC

ME03 Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?

a. Publicly owned

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:22:33 UTC

ME04 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?

a. Publicly owned

b. Government owned

c. Privately owned

d. Owned by political parties

Comments: With bad public reputation the journal, "La Fraternité", is pro-government. There is also, "Les ehos du jour", which belongs to the president of the PRD Adrien Houngbedji. The "Point au quotidien" belongs to Sehoueto, who just left government. The "Progres" is for Kamarou Fassassi, currently the minister of energy and hydraulics. The "Nouvelle tribune" is for the opposition. "L´informateur" and "Le Nokoue" are very close to the opposition wing Soglo Nicephore.
Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-07-15 08:51:07 UTC

ME06 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?

b. 30% to 60%

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:23:43 UTC

ME08 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?

b. 30 to 60%

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:24:07 UTC

ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?

b. Private radio

e. Print media

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:24:28 UTC

ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?

a. a

Comments: The constitution guarantees this freedom. The freedom of the press is recognized and guaranteed by the state. It is protected by the High Authority of the Audiovisual and Communication, in accordance with the conditions fixed by organic law.
Source: Constitution (1990), Part 2, Article 8, Paragraph 2; Article 24.
Last updated: 2005-07-15 08:57:29 UTC

ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster? Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)

a. The laws 60-12 (30th of June 1960) and 97-010 (20th of August 1997) concerning the creation and organisation of media in Benin.

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:25:06 UTC

ME14 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?

a. Over 60%

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:25:37 UTC

ME15 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?

a. Over 60 %

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:26:08 UTC

ME16 In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:

a. Public radio

c. Private radio

d. Public television

f. Private television

g. Print media

Comments: The three most used are the radio, the television and the printed press.
Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-07-15 09:01:17 UTC

ME17 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?

b. Private radio

e. Print media

Comments: The president of the republic holds parts of the capital of "La Chaine 2" (LC2) and certain journals.
Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-07-15 09:06:28 UTC

ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?

a. a

Comments: The laws 60-12 (30th of June 1960) and 97-10 (20th of August 1997) concerning the creation and organization of media in Benin.
Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-07-15 09:08:41 UTC

ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?

a. The laws 60-12 (30th of June 1960) and 97-010 (20th of August 1997) concerning the creation and organisation of media in Benin.

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:28:04 UTC

ME20 Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?

c. Other (specify)

Comments: La Haute autorité de l'audiovisuelle et de la communication (HAAC). The High Authority of the Audiovisual and Communication
Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-07-15 09:10:36 UTC

ME21 Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?

a. Political parties

b. Private companies

c. Non governmental organisations

d. Foreigners

f. State owned companies

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:28:42 UTC

ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?

a. a

Comments: - When no respect is paid to the contractual regulation in the contents. - In case of seizure for the following reasons the suspension could be pronounced before the decision by the competent authorities: - the registration of copyright has not been put into effect. - provocation of crimes and offenses - Offenses towards the public cause (offending the Head of state, president of parliament, the publication of false news) - Vilification of ministers, deputies, civil servants, depositaries or agents for public authorities and witnesses.
Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-07-15 10:00:33 UTC

ME23 Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?

b. No

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:29:38 UTC

ME24 What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?

a. Law

b. Secondary legislation (e.g. regulations)

e. Other (specify)

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Benin (11th of December 1990), Articles 24, 142 and 143. Organic Law n°92-021 (21st of August 1992) concerning the High Authority of the Audiovisual and Communication.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 12:45:45 UTC

ME25 Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?

a. Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body)

Source: Organic Law n°92-021 (21st of August 1992) concerning the High Authority of the Audiovisual and Communication.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 12:46:18 UTC

ME27 Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?

b. No

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:31:47 UTC

ME28 What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take

d. Not applicable

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:32:10 UTC

ME29 Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?

b. No

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:32:29 UTC

ME30 What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?

a. Criminal prosecution

b. Administrative sanction

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:32:50 UTC

ME31 Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.

b. No

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:33:24 UTC

ME33 Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.

b. Other (specify)

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:34:05 UTC

ME34 Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:34:41 UTC

ME35 Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Decision N°03-007/HAAC concerning the regulation of the pre-campaigning and campaigning for the legislative elections in March 2003.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:03:15 UTC

ME36 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Decision N°03-007/HAAC concerning the regulation of the pre-campaigning and campaigning for the legislative elections in March 2003.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:04:23 UTC

ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?

a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance

Source: Decision N°03-007/HAAC concerning the regulation of the pre-campaigning and campaigning for the legislative elections in March 2003, Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 2, Article 10.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:06:14 UTC

ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?

b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising OUI

Source: Decision N°03-007/HAAC(2003), Part 2, Chapter 2, Article 49, Paragraph 2.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:07:48 UTC

ME39 Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°03-007/HAAC concerning the regulation of the pre-campaigning and campaigning for the legislative elections in March 2003, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 7.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:35:36 UTC

ME40 Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°03-007/HAAC concerning the regulation of the pre-campaigning and campaigning for the legislative elections in March 2003, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 7.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:35:56 UTC

ME41 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°03-007/HAAC concerning the regulation of the pre-campaigning and campaigning for the legislative elections in March 2003, Part 2, Chapter 1, Article 10.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:36:21 UTC

ME42 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?

a. Equal regardless of size and previous performance

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°03-007/HAAC concerning the regulation of the pre-campaigning and campaigning for the legislative elections in March 2003, Part 2, Chapter 1, Article 10.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:36:52 UTC

ME43 Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:37:26 UTC

ME44 Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:37:48 UTC

ME45 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:38:15 UTC

ME46 What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?

i. Not applicable

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:38:55 UTC

ME47 Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the presidential election in 2001, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 5.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:41:03 UTC

ME48 Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the presidential election in 2001, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 5.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:41:27 UTC

ME49 Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the presidential election in 2001, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 5.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:41:53 UTC

ME50 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?

a. Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidateâs party

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the presidential election in 2001, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 5.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:42:17 UTC

ME51 Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:42:41 UTC

ME52 Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:43:06 UTC

ME53 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:43:44 UTC

ME54 What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?

i. Not applicable

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:44:09 UTC

ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?

b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising YES

Source: Law N° 2000-18 (3rd of January 2001). Electoral Law (2001), Part 4, Chapter 3, Article 84. Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:45:02 UTC

ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?

b. There are no laws in this regard YES

Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:40:12 UTC

ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?

b. The law does not specify any limits YES

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:45:30 UTC

ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?

b. None YES

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:46:24 UTC

ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?

a. Yes, in presidential elections

b. Yes, in legislative elections

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou). Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the presidential election in 2001, Part 2, Chapter 1, Article 25.
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:46:07 UTC

ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?

a. ......... Decision of the HAAC (Haute autorité de l'audiovisuel et de la communication)

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:47:04 UTC

ME61 Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?

g. None

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:47:33 UTC

ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?

d. 6-7 days

Source: Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the legislative election in March 2003, Part 2, Chapter 4, Article 66.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:48:56 UTC

ME63 Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?

c. Not permitted

Source: Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the legislative election in March 2003, Part 2, Chapter 4, Article 65.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:48:29 UTC

ME64 If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?

c. Results cannot be disseminated via the media

Source: Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the legislative election in March 2003, Part 2, Chapter 4, Article 65.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:49:52 UTC

ME65 When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?

c. After all polls close, after official results are available

Source: Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the legislative election in March 2003, Part 2, Chapter 4, Article 68.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:50:30 UTC

ME66 Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?

b. No

Source: Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the legislative election in March 2003, Part 2, Chapter 4, Article 68.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 13:50:57 UTC

ME67 What resources does the EMB have for its work with the media?

e. Other (specify)

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:48:45 UTC

ME68 Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?

a. Yes

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi, student of Law at the University of Benin (Université d'abomey-calavi au Bénin).
Last updated: 2005-06-28 14:02:31 UTC

ME69 Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?

b. Press releases

c. Press conferences/briefings

d. Pre-recorded radio or TV slots

e. Web site

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:49:16 UTC

ME70 Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?

a. Yes

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:49:39 UTC

ME71 Which of the following types of radio stations, provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the legislative election in March 2003, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 7.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 14:05:00 UTC

ME72 Which of the following television stations provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the legislative election in March 2003, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 7.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 14:05:37 UTC

ME73 Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide free print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?

a. Publicly owned

Source: Decision N°113-00/HAAC concerning the regulation of pre-campaigning and campaigning in media for the legislative election in March 2003, Part 1, Chapter 1, Article 7.
Last updated: 2005-06-28 14:06:33 UTC

ME74 Which of the following types of radio stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:50:31 UTC

ME75 Which of the following types of television stations provide paid broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:51:01 UTC

ME76 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide paid broadcast time or print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?

c. Privately owned

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:51:28 UTC

ME77 What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?

d. It monitors the media coverage of its own activities.

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:51:54 UTC

ME78 Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?

d. Other

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:52:19 UTC

ME79 Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB’s ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?

a. Very effective

Source: Mr Theodule Nouatchi, lecturer in law at the University of Benin (Cotonou).
Last updated: 2005-06-30 14:52:46 UTC

Parties and Candidates

PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?

d. No registration required

Source: Articles 22;23;24;25 de la Loi n°2000-18 code électoral.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 11:48:01 UTC

PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?

g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2005-01-18 11:49:57 UTC

PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?

a. Age

b. Citizenship

f. Registration

g. Nationality group

Comments: L'exigence première est qu'il doit d'abord pouvoir être électeur avant d'être éligible.
Source: voir article 23 et le titre premier de cette loi(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-18 11:58:56 UTC

PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?

k. Not applicable

Last updated: 2005-01-18 12:01:23 UTC

PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?

a. Age

b. Citizenship

d. Residence

f. Registration

g. Nationality group

Source: Article 44 de la constitution Article 4 Loi n°.2000-19(code électoral).
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:44:16 UTC

PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?

b. Detention

c. Criminal record

k. Mental health problems

Source: voir article 23 (code électoral)
Last updated: 2005-01-18 13:01:10 UTC

PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?

a. Current criminal incarceration

b. Detention

c. Criminal record

d. Naturalization

f. Holding of military office

j. Physical health problems

k. Mental health problems

p. Other

Comments: Pour la naturalisation, il faut qu'elle ait lieu au moins pendant 10 avant .
Source: Article 44 de la constitution. Article 4 de la loi n¡2000-19, code électoral.
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:44:16 UTC

PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?

b. In presidential elections

Comments: En matière d'élection législative, les candidats émanent exclusivement des partis politiques.
Source: Confère les arts. 22,29,39,47,84, et 85 de la loi n¡2000-18 du 03 Janvier 2001
Last updated: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 18:43:47 GMT

PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?

e. Not applicable

Comments: Il n'exixte pas de candidats independants en matière d'élection législative au Bénin?
Source: voir article 22;23;24 de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 janvier 2001.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 13:25:48 UTC

PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?

e. Not applicable

Comments: Le Bénin n'a qu'une chambre unique.
Source: cf. article 79 de la Constitution du 11 Décembre 1990.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 13:26:45 UTC

PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?

b. Deposit requirement (specify)

Comments: Cautionnement: 7.142 Dollars US. Les conditions requises en la matière sont les mêmes pour tous les candidats qu'ils soient indépendants ou non.
Source: Voir article 44 de la constitution et l'article 39 de la loi n°2000-18.
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:44:16 UTC

PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?

b. Direct

c. Indirect

Comments: Généralement, le financement direct provient du président du parti. Le financement indirect est la caution restituée par le gouvernement au regard des pourcentages obtenus par les candidats et les financements occultes dont le contrôle échappe à la Chambre des Comptes mal outillée.
Source: Loi n°2000-18 du 03-01-2001 portant règles générales pour les élections en République du Bénin; Loi n°2000-19 du 03-01-2001, article 11; Les articles 18 à 24 de la loi n°90-023 du 13 Août 1990 portant charte des partis politiques.
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:44:16 UTC

PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?

b. Between elections

c. As related to the election period and between elections

Comments: Le financement venant de l'Etat ne représente que la restitution des frais du cautionnement ( 500 000f cfa )requis pour la candidature. Il n'est restitué qu'à ceux qui ont obtenu les 10 % du suffrage exprimé.
Source: Cf. article 39 de la loi n°2000-18 portant règles générales pour les élections en République du Bénin. Cette disposition est complétée par l'article 11 de la loi n°2000-19 du 03 Janvier 2001 définissant les règles particulières sur l'élection du Président de la République.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 13:46:52 UTC

PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:

a. Free media access

Comments: La Haute Autorité de l'audiovisuelle et de la Communication ( HAAC ) assure tant bien que mal la répartition équitable du temps d'antenne entre les différents candidats.
Source: Article 37 de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 Janvier 2001
Last updated: 2005-01-18 13:51:29 UTC

PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?

c. Based on current legislative representation

Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:44:16 UTC

PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?

c. Unspecified

d. Other

Comments: Le but implicite visé est d'amener les partis à asseoir une large base électorale.
Source: Art. 39 de la loi no.2000-18; Art. 11 de la loi no.2000-19.
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:44:16 UTC

PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?

a. Yes

Comments: Il faut noter le peu de rigueur dont fait preuve la Chambre des Comptes de la Cours Suprême s'agissant du contrôle des sources de financement privé.
Source: Voir les articles 18 à 21 de la loi n°90-023 du 13 Août 1990 portant charte des partis politiques.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 11:53:16 UTC

PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?

c. As related to the election period and between elections

Comments: Le texte règlementant la question est muette au sujet de la période à laquelle les partis reçoivent le dit financement.
Source: Confère article 20 de la loi n°90-023
Last updated: 2005-01-18 14:19:48 UTC

PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?

b. Public disclosure of party expenditure

d. Ceilings on how much money a party can raise

e. Ceilings on party election expenses

Comments: Seules les dépenses de campagnes électorales font l'objet de publication.
Source: Voir les articles 84, 85, 86 et 112 de la loi n°2000-18; Article 20 de la loi n°90-023 du 13 Août 1990.
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:44:16 UTC

PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?

b. Public disclosure of candidate expenditure

d. Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise

e. Ceilings on candidate election expenses

h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports

Comments: En réalité, ces textes ont prouvé leurs limites.
Source: voir les articles 84;85;86 et 112 de la loi 2000-18; art. 20 de la loi n°90-023 DU 13 Août 1990
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:44:16 UTC

PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?

d. Other

Comments: Au Bénin, la Chambre des comptes de la Cours Suprême est compétente. Toutefois, cette dernière dispose de peu de moyens pour assurer le respect de cette disposition.
Source: voir les articles 85;86; 112 de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 Janvier 2001 portant règles générales pour les élections en République du Bénin.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 14:43:10 UTC

Vote Counting

VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?

a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)

d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)

h. Party symbols in color

k. Candidate photos in black and white

n. Random listing (lottery)

Comments: Le Bénin a été l'un des premiers pays de l'Afrique a avoir adopté le bulletin unique.
Source: Code électoral, Loi N¡2000-18, article 60.
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 10:10:19 GMT

VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?

s. Not applicable

Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 10:12:55 GMT

VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?

a. Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed)

c. Write-in ballot

f. Same ballot papers used nation-wide

h. Party symbols in color

j. Candidate photos in color

n. Random listing (lottery)

Source: Article 60 de la loi n° 2000-18(code électoral)
Last updated: 2005-01-22 16:55:33 UTC

VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?

a. At the polling stations

Comments: C'est la même procédure pour toutes les élections.
Source: ARTICLE 75 de la loi N°2000-18(Code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-18 19:31:41 UTC

VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?

c. Tally of voters who voted

d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters

f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud

l. Counted by hand

p. Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count

q. Copies of results are provided to observers

s. Copies of results are provided to party agents

Source: Code électoral, Loi N°2000-18, articles 75 et 77.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 19:38:19 UTC

VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?

c. District level

Source: Code électoral, Loi N°2000-18, article 80.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 19:48:49 UTC

VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?

b. District level

d. National level

Source: article 21 de la loi n°98-006 du 09 mars 2000 portant régime électoral communal et municipal en république du bénin.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 20:34:03 UTC

VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?

a. Physically transported

Source: Code électoral, Loi N°2000-18, article 78.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 20:44:13 UTC

VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?

b. Unused and spoiled ballots

f. Certificate of result

Comments: Les bulletins annulés sont transmis à la cour constitutionnelle pour constatation d'irrégularité.
Source: Code électoral, Loi N°2000-18, article 78.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 20:52:00 UTC

VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?

d. Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals

Source: voir article 78 de la loi n°2000-18.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 20:59:16 UTC

VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?

d. By request

Comments: Pour les élections locales, la cour suprême est compétente pour les autres élections c'est la cour constitutionnelle.
Source: Voir articles 89 et 90 du Code électoral, Loi N°2000-18.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 21:04:27 UTC

VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?

e. Not applicable

Source: Voir article 89 de la loi n°2000-18
Last updated: 2005-01-18 21:08:09 UTC

VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?

a. Political parties

b. An individual candidate

Source: Article 53 Code électoral, Loi N° 2000-18
Last updated: 2005-01-18 21:25:54 UTC

VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?

h. Courts

Comments: La Cour constitutionnelle ou la cour suprême.
Source: Article 89 et 90 du code électoral, loi N° 2000-18
Last updated: 2005-01-18 21:30:24 UTC

VC15 Are preliminary results announced?

a. Yes

Comments: Après le dépouillement, on rend publique les résultats.
Source: Article 77 du code électoral, loi N¡ 2000-18.
Last updated: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 17:35:42 GMT

VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?

d. Not applicable OUI

Comments: Il n'y a pas de temps imparti car on rassemble les différents résultats provisoires, et c'est la cour suprême qui proclame les resultats définitifs.
Source: Article 80 de la loi 2000-18, code électoral.
Last updated: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 17:52:34 GMT

VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?

b. No

Source: voir article 80 de la loi n°2000-18
Last updated: 2005-01-18 21:46:15 UTC

VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)

c. weeks:

Comments: Nous pouvons donner en exemple le cas des élections présidentielles où le délai de la proclamation des résultats est deux semaines après le scrutin si elle n'est entachée d'aucune irrégularité pouvant entrainer son annulation.
Source: Voir article 80 de la loi n°2000-18(code électoral)et art. 49 de la Constitution du 11 Décembre 1990.
Last updated: 2005-01-18 21:43:59 UTC

Voter Education

VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?

a. National Electoral Management Body

g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations

h. Political parties/ candidates

Comments: Tout le monde concourt à l'éducation des citoyens en invitant les électeurs à accomplir leur devoir.
Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi(Enseignant d'université au bénin).
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:53:27 UTC

VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?

b. Election time only

Comments: Les partis politiques et la société civile sont les principaux animateurs de cette forme d'éducation.
Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi et voir article 47 de la loi n°2000-18(code électoral)et les articles 3 et 4 de la loi n°90-023 du 13 Août 1990 portant charte des partis politiques.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 14:14:50 UTC

VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?

e. Yes, conducted by the Government

h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations

i. Yes, conducted by Political Parties/ Candidates

j. Yes, conducted by the Media

Comments: Il existe actuellement au plan national des émissions radio ( Par-ci Par-là; le droit et la justice ) diffusée par la radio d'Etat. Les ONG comme l'Institut Kilimandjaro ( IK ) et l'Institut des Droits de l'Homme ( IDH ) font des formations continues dans le domaine . Toutefois la Constitution astreint l'Etat à assurer un programme continu
Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi et voir l'article 40 de la Constitution du 11 Décembre.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 14:21:14 UTC

VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?

a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns

b. Media advertisement

c. Simulation exercises

d. Music and theater

e. Public meetings

g. Internet

Comments: Ces différents moyens d'éducation ont permis de réduire sensiblement la violence et les fraudes lors des différentes consultations.
Source: voir le site portail des législatives 2003(www.legilatives2003.gouv.bj/lois/annexe) sur la rubrique "actualités électorales " et l'article 37 de la loi n°2000-18 du 03 Janvier 2000 portant règles générales pour les élections en République du Bénin.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 14:31:16 UTC

VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?

a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns

b. Media advertisement

c. Simulation exercises

d. Music and theater

e. Public meetings

g. Internet

Comments: Il faut souligner le dynamisme et l'ingéniosité dont a fait preuve la société civile en la matière.
Source: Voir sources de VEO4.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 14:40:00 UTC

VE06 Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:

g. Other

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi(Enseignant d'université au bénin)
Last updated: 2005-01-19 14:59:01 UTC

Voting Operations

VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?

b. 81-90%

Source: Toussaint GNONLONFOUN.
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:23:08 GMT

VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?

b. No

Comments: Ils se basent sur les dispositions du code électoral.
Source: Mr théodule Nouatchi(Enseignant d'université au bénin)
Last updated: 2005-01-23 20:30:44 UTC

VO03 Where can electors vote?

a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections

h. By proxy

i. By tendered ballot

Comments: Les agents en mission le jour des élections peuvent voter là où ils ont été envoyés ainsi qu'un certain nombre de personnes visées par la loi.
Source: Articles 51;55;56;58 et 66 de la loi N°2000-18 du 03 janvier 2001(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-19 12:22:54 UTC

VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?

b. Citizens residing outside the country

f. Diplomatic staff

Comments: Les citoyens résidant à l'extérieur du pays ont le droit de voter uniquement pour les élections présidentielles.
Source: Article 56 de la loi N°2000-18.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 12:13:08 UTC

VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?

a. Embassies

b. Consulates

Source: Article 56 de la loi N°2000-18(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-19 12:25:26 UTC

VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?

a. No

Source: Article 51 de la loi N°2000-18(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-19 12:31:16 UTC

VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?

f. Not applicable

Source: voir VO06.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 12:32:50 UTC

VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:

g. Not applicable

Source: voir VO06
Last updated: 2005-01-19 12:34:10 UTC

VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?

a. Yes

Comments: Il s'agit par là de permettre un meilleur contôle des élections notemment le dépouillement et pour éviter que les électeurs ne fassent de grandes distance pour voter.
Source: Toussaint GNONLONFOUN.
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:48:22 GMT

VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?

a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 500

Comments: Il s'agit par là de permettre un meilleur contôle des élections notemment le dépouillement et pour éviter que les électeurs ne fassent de grandes distance pour voter.
Source: Toussaint GNONLONFOUN.
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:51:06 GMT

VO11 How do electors cast their votes?

a. By manually marking the ballot

Comments: Il faut savoir que c'est le bulletin unique qui est utilisé.
Source: Article 62 alinéa 2 de la loi N°2000-18(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-19 12:38:18 UTC

VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?

a. The smallest polling station: 3
b. The largest polling station: 4

Comments: 3 personnes=Président et 2 assesseurs 4 personnes=Président, sécrétaire et 2 assesseurs.
Source: Toussaint GNONLONFOUN.
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:55:42 GMT

VO13 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the presiding polling officer for the most recent national elections?

a. hours: 72

Source: Mr Théodule Nouatchi.Voir article 55 de la loi N°2000-18(code électoral)pour les commentaires.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 12:47:50 UTC

VO14 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the other polling officials for the most recent national elections?

a. hours: 72

Source: Pour le commentaire voir article 55 alinéa 3 de la loi N°2000-18(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-22 16:25:12 UTC

Voter Registration

VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?

c. 18

Comments: Au jour de l'élection, l'électeur doit avoir 18 ans révolus.
Source: Article 4 Loi N° 2000-18 (code électoral)
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:05:16 UTC

VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?

a. Citizenship

d. Naturalization

Source: Article 4 de la loi n° 2000-18(code électoral)
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:07:38 UTC

VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?

a. Criminal Incarceration

c. Detention

Comments: Le code prévoit plusieurs cas d'interdiction, surtout en matière de condamnation.
Source: Article 6 de la loi 2000-18(code électoral)
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:17:01 UTC

VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?

d. Election Management Body (specify)

Comments: La Commission Electorale Nationale Autonome(CENA) est chargé de tout le processus électoral.
Source: Voir article 11 de la loi N°2000-18(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:21:52 UTC

VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?

b. Voters register

Comments: Les listes électorales sont établies à partir des villages.
Source: Articles 9,10, 11 et 12 de la loi n°2000-18(code électoral).
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:25:38 UTC

VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?

c. Periodically (or before each election)

Comments: La mise à jour a lieu avant chaque élection ,sauf si celle-ci à lieu à moins de 6 mois après la précedente.
Source: Article 11 de la loi 2000-18(code électoral)
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:27:42 UTC

VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?

e. Appearance by voter at registration office

Comments: Cela peut se faire dans les consulats ou ambassades.
Source: Article 14 de la loi N°2000-18(code électoral)
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:31:39 UTC

VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?

a. Yes

Comments: Il s'agit d'une exception en Afrique. Suivant les dispositions du code, chaque Béninois est obligé de s'inscrire sur une liste électorale.
Source: Code électoral, loi N°2000-18 article 9.
Last updated: 2005-01-19 13:37:03 UTC

VR09 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of registration supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?

Comments: Données non disponibles.
Source: Toussaint Gnoulonfoun, directeur de l'administration de lEtat, ministère de l'intérieur et de la sécurité. BP 925 , Tel: 30 45 27 28
Last updated: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 18:59:36 GMT

May 20, 2008 07:18 AM

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