Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For elections to the National Assembly, the national territory is divided into 24 electoral constituencies. For presidential elections, the whole country territory, including diplomatic missions and consulates abroad, forms a single constituency.
Source: Law 2005-26 of 6 August 2010 regulating the election of the President of the Republic, art. 15
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-presidentielle-2011.pdf (2012);
Law No. 2010-35 of 21 December 2010 regulating the election of members of the National Assembly, art. 2
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-legislatives-2011.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
i . No information available
Comments:
Source: Law No. 2010-35 of 21 December 2010 regulating the election of members of the National Assembly, art. 2
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-legislatives-2011.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments:
Source: Law No. 2010-35 of 21 December 2010 regulating the election of members of the National Assembly, art. 2
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-legislatives-2011.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is the head of state and the head of government. The President of the Republic shall be elected by direct universal suffrage for a mandate of five years, renewable only once. The election of the President of the Republic shall take place with uninominal majority ballot in two rounds. The President of the Republic shall be elected by an absolute majority of votes cast. If that is not be obtained in the first round of voting, it shall be followed, after fifteen days, by a second round. The only ones who may be presented in the second round of balloting shall be the two candidates who have received the highest number of votes in the first round. The candidate having received the relative majority of votes cast in the second round shall be declared President.
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 42, 43, 45, 54
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2012);
Law 2005-26 of 6 August 2010 regulating the election of the President of the Republic, art. 1, 2
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-presidentielle-2011.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The head of government is the President, who is also the head of state. He is elected by absolute majority of votes in two rounds.
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 42, 43, 45, 54
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2012);
Law 2005-26 of 6 August 2010 regulating the election of the President of the Republic, art. 1, 2
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-presidentielle-2011.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: ARTICLE 42
The President of the Republic shall be elected by direct universal suffrage for a
mandate of five years, renewable only one time.
In any case, no one shall be able to exercise more than two presidential mandates
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 42 - 54
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2012)
Law 2005-26 of 6 August 2010 regulating the election of the President of the Republic, art. 1, 2
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-presidentielle-2011.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Article 79
The Parliament shall be composed of a single Assembly called the National Assembly whose members shall carry the title of Deputy. It shall exercise legislative power and shall control the action of the Government.
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 79
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The deputies to the National Assembly are elected by direct universal suffrage on the basis of a party list proportional representation system for a term of four years.
Source: Law No. 2010-35 of 21 December 2010 regulating the election of members of the National Assembly, art. 1, 4: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-legislatives-2011.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BJ/benin-electoral-law-n-b0-2010-33-of-7-january-2011/view (2016)
Law No. 2010-35 of 21 December 2010 regulating the election of members of the National Assembly: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-legislatives-2011.pdf (2012);
Law 2005-26 of 6 August 2010 regulating the election of the President of the Republic: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-presidentielle-2011.pdf (2012);
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2019/04/05
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections
Comments: Article 1er : Les dispositions de la présente loi concernent les
règles générales applicables aux élections du Président de la
République, des membres de l’Assemblée Nationale, des membres des
conseils communaux ou municipaux et des membres des Conseils de
village ou de quartier de ville.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 1
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: ARTICLE 6
Suffrage shall be universal, equal and secret. The electors shall be, under the
conditions determined by law, all Béninese nationals of both sexes over the age of
eighteen and in full possession of their civil and political rights.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 3
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016);
Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 6
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The Constitutional Court has jurisdiction to resolve presidential and legislative election disputes.
The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to resolve local election disputes.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 97, - 106: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016);
Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 8 (2), 117 (2): http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: Article 12
Les élections sont gérées par un organe
administratif dénommé Commission électorale nationale autonome
(CENA).
La Commission électorale nationale autonome dispose d'une
réelle autonomie par rapport aux institutions de la République (Exécutif,
Assemblée Nationale, Cour Constitutionnelle, Cour Suprême, Haute
Cour de Justice, Conseil Economique et Social, Haute Autorité de
l’Audiovisuel et de la Communication), sous réserve des dispositions des
articles 49, 81 alinéa 2 et 117, 1er et 2ème tirets de la Constitution du 11
décembre 1990 et des articles 42, 52 et 54 de la loi n° 91-009 du 04
mars 1991 portant loi organique sur la Cour Constitutionnelle modifiée
par la loi du 31 mai 2001.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 12
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Permanent Administrative Secretariat of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission develops a preliminary draft budget of election expenses. This draft budget after discussion in a conference is included to the draft general budget of the State.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 12 (3), 25, 89: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Autonomous National Electoral Commission is independent in the management of its budget. However, the Permanent Administrative Secretariat of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission shall publish an inventory report before the establishment of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission for the upcoming elections. The misuse of the budget constitutes a criminal offense.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 12 (3), 96: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
a . For the election period only
Comments: The term of members of the National Autonomous Electoral Commission is for the election period only. The Members of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission are appointed for each election at least 130 days before the month in which the election is scheduled. The term for the members of the Permanent Administrative Secretariat is 5 years.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 14
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: Article 12
Les élections sont gérées par un organe
administratif dénommé Commission électorale nationale autonome
(CENA).
La Commission électorale nationale autonome dispose d'une
réelle autonomie par rapport aux institutions de la République (Exécutif,
Assemblée Nationale, Cour Constitutionnelle, Cour Suprême, Haute
Cour de Justice, Conseil Economique et Social, Haute Autorité de
l’Audiovisuel et de la Communication), sous réserve des dispositions des
articles 49, 81 alinéa 2 et 117, 1er et 2ème tirets de la Constitution du 11
décembre 1990 et des articles 42, 52 et 54 de la loi n° 91-009 du 04
mars 1991 portant loi organique sur la Cour Constitutionnelle modifiée
par la loi du 31 mai 2001.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 12: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: The National Autonomous Electoral Commission is composed of 11 members. The Permanent Administrative Secretariat is composed of 4 members.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 13, 26: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The members of the National Autonomous Electoral Commission are chosen from among citizens of recognized competence, probity, impartiality, morality and patriotism.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 13 (2): http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State b . Head of Government e . Legislature h . Civil society
Comments: 1 member is nominated by the President of the Republic, 9 members are nominated by the National Assembly, taking into account its political configuration and 1 member is nominated by and from civil society organisations with at least five years of engagement in the field of governance and democracy.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 13 (2): http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
h . Political parties/ candidates
Comments:
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 36
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 36
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
e . Yes, conducted by the Government
Comments:
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 40
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 6: http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016);
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 8: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: The electors shall be all Béninese citizens of both sexes above the age of eighteen and in full possession of their civil and political rights.
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 6: http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016);
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 8: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Permanent Administrative Secretariat of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 26: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 6: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) c . Regional distribution requirement f . Other
Comments: Political parties or coalitions wishing to participate in elections are required to submit lists of candidates in all constituencies. Each list has a number of candidates equal to the seats and there should be an alternate for each candidate. The party lists must be submitted at least 30 days before the opening of the electoral campaign period. The latest 2 days after the submission of the candidates' lists, political parties or coalitions must pay to the Treasury a deposit of 100,000 francs per candidate. This deposit is refundable to political parties or groups of parties whose lists have obtained at least 10% of the votes cast throughout the country.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 33, 34: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016 );
Law No. 2010-35 of 21 December 2010 regulating the election of members of the National Assembly, art. 3, 29, 34: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-legislatives-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: Candidates must be at least 25 years old. Nationals of Benin by birth must have resided at least one year in the country, whereas naturalized citizens must have resided in the country for at least an uninterrupted period of 10 years.
Source: Law No. 2010-35 of 21 December 2010 regulating the election of members of the National Assembly, art. 11: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-legislatives-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . In presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 93, 94, 95: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Legally established political parties having at least one member of the National Assembly receive annual funding from the State. For the reimbursement of election campaign to the political parties and individual candidates, the State allocates a flat fee per candidate elected in respect of legislative and local elections. For presidential elections, the lump-sum reimbursement is made for any candidate who receives at least 10% of the votes cast.
Source: Law N° 2001/21 Charter of Political Parties, art. 40: http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/benin/05207.pdf (2016);
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 95: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance c . Based on current legislative representation
Comments: Legally established political parties having at least one member of the National Assembly receive annual funding from the State. The distribution of this funding is proportional to the number of seats won by each political party. For the reimbursement of election campaign to the political parties and individual candidates, the State allocates a flat fee per candidate elected in respect of legislative and local elections. For presidential elections, the lump-sum reimbursement is made for any candidate who obtained at least 10% of the votes cast.
Source: Law N° 2001/21 Charter of Political Parties, art. 40: http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/benin/05207.pdf (2016);
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 95: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law N° 2001/21 Charter of Political Parties, art. 33, 35: http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/benin/05207.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 79
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
e . Court order
Comments:
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 104: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: Candidates and political parties can use for their campaign, State media: radio, television and press. The High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication ensures equal access to state media for all candidates and political parties eligible to participate in elections.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 49
http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Rapport de la Mission francophone d'information et de contacts aux élections presidentielles du 13 mars 2011 au Benin, p. 1.4.2.3. §5: http://democratie.francophonie.org/IMG/pdf/Rapport_mission_Benin_2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Decision n° 11-010/HAAC of 1 February 2011 by the High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication, regulating the electoral campaign for the 2011 presidential elections: http://levenementprecis.com/?p=5526 (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no specific legal provisions in this regard.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 92: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 4, 58, 108, 155
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The revision of the Constitution shall be agreed to only after having been approved by referendum, unless the draft or the proposal involved shall have been approved by a four-fifths majority of the members composing the Assembly.
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 155
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic, after consultation with the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Constitutional Court, shall be able to take the initiative of the referendum on any question relative to the promotion of and the reinforcement of human rights, about trans-regional or regional integration and about the organisation of the public authorities. The deputies can, by a 3/4 majority vote, decide to submit any question to a referendum.
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 58, 108
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 4, 58, 108, 155
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016);
Organic Law of 3 October 2011 on the organisation of referendum, art. 2, 33: http://www.uprbenin.org/Documents/loi_referendaire_2011/proposition.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: The President, following consultation with the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Constitutional Court can take initiative on referendums pertaining to:
The promotion and strengthening of human rights.
Regional or subregional integration.
The organisation of public authorities.
All projects pertaining to the revision of the Constitution.
All questions voted on by the majority (3/4s) of the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990, art. 4, 58, 108, 155
http://www.uprbenin.org/Documents/loi_referendaire_2011/proposition.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of 11 December 1990:
http://www.gouv.bj/sites/default/files/Cour-Constitutionnelle-recueil-des-textes-fondamentaux.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections h . By proxy
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: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 61, 70: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: Les citoyens résidant à l'extérieur du pays ont le droit de voter uniquement pour les élections présidentielles.
Citizens residing outside of the country have the right to vote only in presidential elections.
Source: Law 2005-26 of 6 August 2010 regulating the election of the President of the Republic, art. 15: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-presidentielle-2011.pdf (2016);
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 53 (2), 63 (4): http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments:
Source: Law 2005-26 of 6 August 2010 regulating the election of the President of the Republic, art. 15: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-presidentielle-2011.pdf (2016);
Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 53 (2): http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: L'électeur prend lui-même un bulletin, se rend dans l'isoloir,
marque son choix et plie le bulletin de manière à cacher son vote. Il faut savoir que c'est le bulletin unique qui est utilisé.
Voters take a ballot, head to the booth, and mark their vote. They then secretly hide their vote by folding the ballot. Each voter is to receive only one ballot.
Source: Law n ° 2010-33 of 7 January 2011 setting general rules for the elections in the Republic of Benin, art. 65: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Benin-2/Loi-electorale-generale-pour-2011.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2019/04/05
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