Poll sees low turnout after calls for a delay by opposition parties were rejected
Electoral officials and observers at a polling station in Cotonou, Benin, May 17 2020. Picture: YANICK FOLLYy / AFP
The national election commission made face masks mandatory for voters and enforced social distancing measures at polling stations. “We have received a lot of hydro-alcohol gels and masks for all voters,” returning officer Mathieu Daki told AFP at N'dali in the north of the country.In the economic capital, Cotonou, where most coronavirus deaths have occurred, election officials ensured voters were more than 1m apart.
Campaigning has been limited to posters and media appearances as candidates were forced to call off rallies due to a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people.Critics warned the health risks were too high for a vote that opponents of President Patrice Talon insist should not be happening in the first place.In the city’s first district Arnold Migan voted early in the morning. “With the threat from Covid-19 it is best to vote quickly and go home before a lot of people arrive,” he said.
Parties allied to the president won all the seats at the polls last year after opposition groups were effectively banned from standing but turnout was only 25%.
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