Day 10

FEBRUARY | 2023

Benin

PRAYER FOR THIS COUNTRY

Voters in Benin went to the polls for a parliamentary election seen as a test of democracy as opposition parties are back on the ballot after boycotting or being excluded from the most recent presidential and legislative votes. Benin’s image as a bastion of democracy and stability in West Africa has been dented under President Patrice Talon, who went back on a pledge not to run for another term and oversaw an opposition crackdown since coming to power in 2016. Seven parties are competing for 109 parliamentary seats. In 2019 after the opposition, parties were blocked from the legislative vote for failing to meet strict new election criteria. Polling stations were quiet in the commercial capital Cotonou and there was no sign of unrest. Pray for Benin to renounce demonic worship and for the Beninese to come to their senses and worship Jesus Christ, their creator God(The Bible, Luke 4:8).

Source:

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/benin-holds-parliamentary-election-set-test-democracy-2023-01-08/

MORE ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Patrice Guillaume Athanase Talon is a Beninese politician and businessman who has been President of Benin since 6 April 2016.  An economist and investment banker turned politician, Lionel Zinsou was appointed Prime Minister of Benin in June 2015. Benin is best known for its peaceful democracy, one of the most stable in Africa. However, corruption remains a significant issue. The country, once hosting main ports crucial in the slave trade, still negotiates shady deals. Poverty increases each year. The nation’s annual Voodoo Day brings thousands of participants to the country’s celebration. Voodoo, a religion approved by the government, has more than 60% devotees and contributes to significant spiritual bondages over the nation, its people, and the Church. The country allows for freedom to practice and propagates any religion.

CHIEF OF STATE
President Thomas Yayi Boni
HEAD OF GOV.
PM Lionel Zinsou
POPULATION
10,449,000
CHRISTIANS
31.7%
EVANGLICAL CHRISTIANS
7.2%
DOMINANT RELIGION
Christianity
PERSECUTION RANKING
Not Ranked
REFUGEES
483
LIFE EXPECTANCY
61.47 yrs
LITERACY RATE
42.4%
POPULATION BELOW POVERTY LINE
37.4%