Benin Republic holds legislative polls after failed coup attempt
Benin Republic heads to legislative elections today, January 9, 2026, following a failed coup attempt on December 7, 2025. The coup by army mutineers was crushed within hours with military support from Nigeria and France. The West African nation remains on edge as voting takes place at a politically fraught moment, with security concerns heightened after the recent instability. This marks the first major electoral test since the attempted overthrow, raising questions about democratic resilience in the face of military unrest. Citizens are voting for new legislators amid ongoing tension from the December incident.