(Ecofin Agency) - As a fulfilment of President Patrice Talon’s promise during election campaign, the review of Benin’s constitution is about to be reached.

Initially rejected, the draft on constitution review was validated by the National Assembly but failed to obtain the qualified majority required for a direct vote. As a result, the draft will therefore be subjected to a referendum.

“The principle of the revision had been adopted by 62 MPs over 83 with one abstention from voting. It would have been adopted if three quarters of MPs had voted for it; this represents approximately 66 MPs. But as the majority did not exceed 62 pro-votes, the amendment of the constitution will be subjected to a referendum,” AFP said.

The constitution review draft, let’s recall, suggests a better representativeness of women in the National Assembly, the abolition of death penalty, creation of a Court of Auditors as well as a non-renewable 7-year presidential term. However, the move is controversial between the pros and cons.