Benin: Lawmakers reject President Talon's calls for urgent constitution review

Benin MPS unanimously rejected calls an urgent draft constitution review being supported by president Patrice Talon, at the opening of an extraordinary session on Friday.

The 63 lawmakers rejected an emergency procedure, saying they needed to take time to examine the document in favourable conditions and to also consult with the Beninese population as stipulated by the law.

Jacques Cocou Zounoun, a demonstrator says: “We must absolutely continue to stand by the general interests of the people, so that the people themselves can actually draw up their own constitution which guarantees liberties, patriotism and probity.”

The new amendments are providing for a single six-year presidential term, the establishment of a Court of Auditors, the public funding of parties and also prohibits pre-trial detention and police custody for incumbent ministers and president.