France, Jan. 10 -- About 8 million registered voters are expected to choose 109 MPs along with their local representatives, the election commission said.

This double election precedes a third: the presidential election, scheduled for 12 April, 2026.

These are the first elections since a failed coup attempt in early December against President Patrice Talon. The army said it had foiled the plot by a group of soldiers and later said it had regained control. Authorities said the president was safe.

Talon will not run in April. Two candidates are set to contest the presidency. The presidential coalition has nominated Economy Minister Romuald Wadagni, while Paul Hounkpe will stand for the Cauris Forces for an Emerging Benin, known as the FCB...