The opposition party, the Democrats, responded to the formation of the Senate and the election of former president Patrice Talon as president of the upper house of parliament during a session held on Thursday, August 6, calling on the new institution to work towards restoring political pluralism and enhancing balance within the democratic institutions of the country.
Habib Wurokubo, a former deputy and member of the Democrats, as well as the party’s resource mobilization secretary, stated that the election of Patrice Talon and the formation of the Senate occurred despite his party’s opposition, considering that the new institution represents a path not approved by the party. Wurokubo added, “He was appointed against our will,” referring to Talon’s election as president of the Senate.
The Democrats had opposed the constitutional amendment that provided for the establishment of the Senate and voted against the reform during its discussion; however, the amendment was approved after the opposition remained in the minority in parliament.
Former president Patrice Talon was elected president of the Beninese Senate during the inaugural session of the upper house of parliament, a step that comes after the establishment of the institution under the recent constitutional amendments.
Talon had arrived at the inaugural session of the Senate, which took place on Thursday, July 30, in the capital Porto-Novo, where the new institution began to perform its duties within the legislative framework of the country.
Commenting on the future of the Senate, Wurokubo expressed hope that the new institution would contribute to restoring political pluralism to public life in Benin, warning that it could become merely a tool for repositioning political figures who were supposed to have left the scene.
The former deputy stated, “Despite our opposition, this institution was created, and it is now a law. However, we still hope for the best.” He added, “If this institution can remain objective in addressing our political problems, I believe it will play a useful role.”
He emphasized that the Senate would not be able to perform an effective role unless it worked to ensure the actual implementation of political pluralism as stipulated in the Beninese constitution.
He clarified, “If this institution wants to play a useful role, it must work to ensure the actual implementation of the political pluralism we chose in our constitution.”
He warned that if this is not achieved, the Senate could become an additional institution without real influence in political life or a means to reposition political figures who were supposed to leave the scene.
The statements from the Democrats reflect the ongoing political debate in Benin regarding the nature of the recent constitutional reforms and the role of the Senate, amid the opposition’s calls to maintain political pluralism and ensure greater balance among various forces within elected institutions.