Reduction of presidential term rejected

Benin's National Assembly has narrowly rejected a proposal by President Patrice Talon to amend the Constitution. BBC News reports that Talon, who was elected last year, was seeking to limit his successors to a single six-year term in office. He said he wanted to shorten presidential terms to combat complacency. He needed the approval of three-quarters of the National Assembly to implement the change. Critics argued that single term presidencies are open to abuse, as the President would not have to court the favour of voters.