Money : “An obstacle to the political engagement of young people” says the honorable Hélène Olossoumaï

The conference on the electoral code organized by the Catholic Church this Thursday 25 avril 2024 mobilized several actors from various backgrounds and political persuasions. It focused on “Modifications to the Electoral Code in Benin, of 1990 until today : the Electoral Code, living together and the participation of all in the construction of the Nation”.

As indicated by the theme of the conference, the different codes used in Benin to organize the elections are dissected by the participants through communications and analyzes of all kinds. The participants have, for the most part denounced the one which is amended and voted in 2024. Apart from the eligibility thresholds for vote sharing and other incriminated provisions, the guarantee for participation in legislative elections remains a thorn in the side of young people.

In his intervention, MP Hélène Olossoumaï noted that not only is this amount too high in our political context, but also “constitutes one of the obstacles to the political engagement of youth and other political actors better suited to managing our city” denounces the deputy of the Democratic party. Because she says “There is no age to retire from politics and prepare a young generation that shines with vision, skills and determination”.

For the elected representative of the 6th electoral district, partisan reform must reduce the weight of money, particularly in “electoral competitions to put an end to the political asphyxiation of youth in order to facilitate the progressive renewal of the political class with a new generation of much more visionary politicians to meet the major challenges of the development of our country” indicates the MP.

But she did not just point out the weaknesses of the law. She made a notable proposal aimed at significantly lowering the deposit: “We offer a deposit of 200.000 FCFA per candidate for the legislative elections” suggests the MP. She also invited all political actors, in particular the deputies, The head of state, the various heads of institutions of the Republic without forgetting the opinion leaders, to take his proposals seriously and to “support them in their consideration for inclusive and sustainable partisan reform” concluded MP Hélène Olossoumaï.

Arnaud ACAKPO (Coll)