The 2011 Presidential Election in Benin: Explaining the Success of One of Two Firsts

Deliberation and Ethical Voting Behavior: Evidence from a Campaign Experiment in Benin

“…For instance, analysts blame the poor economic performance in Benin on vote buying and patronage politics, 11 leading to less foreign direct investment than Côte d'Ivoire and 10 times less than Burkina Faso. 12 For some observers, the 2011 election saw rampant vote buying (Souaré 2011), particularly from the incumbent party, which was accused of electoral corruption and extreme politicization of the public administration. 13 An estimated $45 million out of $50 million was spent during the campaigns on cash distribution, gifts and gadgets, and payment to local brokers.…”

“…13 An estimated $45 million out of $50 million was spent during the campaigns on cash distribution, gifts and gadgets, and payment to local brokers. Despite these irregularities in the process, the 2011 electoral results could be deemed as "fair" (Souaré 2011).…”

“…Although our pre-electoral survey puts his support in around 9% nationally (ultimately he would earn 6% of the vote), he reached 40% in our pre-electoral survey in these districts. While he was not necessarily viable to win the presidency, he was closely watched as someone who could potentially split the incumbent vote (Souaré 2011) providing a path for Houngbedji (UN opposition party). The implementation of the town-hall meetings took place in the 2 weeks between February 20 and March 6, 1 week prior to the election on March 13, 2011.…”

“…The latter is highly plausible, given that an estimated $50 million was spent by the candidates during the election, some of it likely on targeted vote buying. For instance, it was well known that one of the strategies of the incumbent was to engage in this practice to consolidate the northern regions' vote and secure his reelection (Souaré 2011).…”

Bibliographie

“…Certains s'y opposent même de façon violente, en s'attaquant aux recenseurs, comme au Bénin, dans le cadre de la confection de la Liste électorale permanente informatisée (LEPI), introduite par les autorités électorales en prélude aux élections présidentielles de 2011 ; plusieurs partis d'opposition ont pendant trop longtemps boycotté ce processus. Pourtant, le président sortant, Yayi Boni, avait demandé à ses supporters de s'enrôler massivement, ce qui a finalement été payant pour lui (Souaré, 2011).…”