Electoral Fraud: Network of Fake Proxies Dismantled, Les Démocrates Under CRIET Scrutiny
The Special Prosecutor of the Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET), Ionm Mario Metonou, revealed this Friday, November 6, 2025, the dismantling of a sophisticated operation to falsify electoral proxies. The scheme was orchestrated to fraudulently obtain duplicates of tax clearance certificates and criminal records essential for candidate nominations.
Targeting Election Preparations
In an official press release (No. 008/CRIET/PS), the magistrate detailed how this fraudulent system specifically targeted the Les Démocrates party during their preparation of candidate lists for upcoming municipal and legislative elections. Facing strict administrative requirements, certain officials resorted to fabricating fake proxies by crudely imitating signatures of alleged representatives.
According to Prosecutor Metonou, the investigation began when dozens of duplicate requests for tax clearance certificates and criminal records were submitted to relevant administrations. These requests allegedly originated from senior Les Démocrates officials involved in preparing electoral lists.
Uncovering the Deception
A thorough examination revealed a critical anomaly: the supposed beneficiaries had already obtained these documents in multiple copies. The administrations responded diligently, informing applicants that duplicates would only be issued in person to the applicants or their properly designated representatives.
It was during this verification process that the deception unraveled. The Judicial Police Directorate investigation established falsification based on two key findings:
- Signature discrepancies compared to those on Personal Identification Certificates
- Official hearings where concerned persons denied ever issuing such proxies
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
To date, two individuals have been arrested at the General Directorate of Taxes while in possession of falsified proxies. “Investigations are continuing to determine all responsibilities and identify all individuals involved,” stated Prosecutor Metonou, suggesting the network may be more extensive than initial arrests indicate.
Serious Legal Consequences
The uncovered activities constitute multiple criminal offenses under the Beninese Penal Code, including:
- Forgery and use of forgery (Article 247, paragraph 2)
- Electoral fraud (Articles 307, paragraph 1, and 309)
Perpetrators, accomplices, and instigators face penalties ranging from one to five years imprisonment, accompanied by fines and potential additional penalties including ineligibility for public office.
Source: Original report from Visages du Benin
The Editorial Team