National Assembly (Benin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National AssemblyAssemblée nationale |
|
|---|---|
| 9th National Assembly | |
 |
|
| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses | National Assembly |
| History | |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Leadership | |
|
President
|
Louis Vlavonou, Progressive Union for Renewal
Since 18 May 2019 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 109 members |
 |
|
|
Political groups
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Majority (81)
Opposition (28)
|
|
Length of term
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4 years |
| Elections | |
| Party-list proportional representation | |
|
Last election
|
2023 |
|
Next election
|
2027 |
| Meeting place | |
 |
|
| Porto-Novo, Benin | |
| Website | |
| https://assemblee-nationale.bj | |
The National Assembly is the main law-making group in Benin, a country in West Africa. It is a unicameral body, which means it has only one main chamber or house. This assembly helps to govern Benin and make important decisions for its people.
The National Assembly we see today in Porto-Novo was officially set up in 1990. It has 109 members who are chosen directly by the people of Benin. These members serve for five years and are elected using a system called party-list proportional representation.
Contents
What is the National Assembly?
The National Assembly is like the parliament of Benin. Its main job is to create and pass laws for the country. It also watches over how the government is doing its work.
The members of the Assembly represent different parts of Benin. They bring the voices of the people to the government. This helps make sure that laws are fair and helpful for everyone.
How Members Are Chosen
The 109 members of the National Assembly are elected by the people. This happens through a system called party-list proportional representation. In this system, people vote for a political party, not just one person.
Benin is divided into 24 areas, called multi-member constituencies. These areas match the different departments of Benin. Each party puts forward a list of candidates for these areas. The number of seats a party wins depends on how many votes it gets.
Who Can Vote?
To vote in Benin, a person must be at least 18 years old. They must also be a citizen of Benin. Voters need to have full civil and political rights. This means they haven't been convicted of serious crimes.
Who Can Become a Member?
To become a member of the National Assembly, a person must be at least 25 years old. They also need to have lived in Benin for at least one year. They must be a Beninese citizen from birth or have lived in the country for at least ten years if they became a citizen later.
History of the Assembly
Benin's first parliament was formed in April 1959, even before the country became fully independent. It was guided by a constitution from 1959. This early parliament lasted until November 1960.
Over the years, Benin's government changed several times. New constitutions in 1960 and 1964 created new National Assemblies. In 1977, the parliament was even renamed the Revolutionary National Assembly.
A big change happened in February 1990. A group called the High Council of the Republic was formed. Their goal was to bring more democracy to Benin. A new constitution was passed in December 1990. This constitution set up the basic structure for the National Assembly that we see today.
How Politics Work in the Assembly
Members of the National Assembly work together to make decisions. Sometimes, different political parties form groups or "coalitions" to get enough votes for their ideas. This is important because no single party might have enough members to pass laws on its own.
The leader of the National Assembly is called the President. This person helps guide the meetings and discussions. In 2015, Adrien Houngbédji was chosen as the President of the National Assembly.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have important duties. They must attend meetings where laws are discussed and voted on. If an MP misses too many meetings, they might face a fine or even be suspended for a period of time.
See also
In Spanish: Asamblea Nacional de Benín para niños
- History of Benin
- Legislative Branch
- Politics of Benin
- List of legislatures by country
- List of presidents of the National Assembly of Benin
