Ensuring Internet Access in Benin’s Elections
How advocacy and monitoring prevented internet disruptions during Benin's 2021 presidential vote, safeguarding democracy.
In the lead-up to Benin’s 2021 presidential elections, concerns mounted over potential internet disruptions. Past electoral events in the country had seen widespread blackouts, limiting citizens’ ability to share information, report irregularities, and engage in democratic processes. This article examines the proactive measures taken by civil society, tech organizations, and local chapters to advocate for uninterrupted connectivity, the tools employed for vigilance, and the successful outcomes that marked a turning point for digital rights in the region.
The Growing Threat of Digital Blackouts in Electoral Contexts
Internet shutdowns during elections have become a troubling trend worldwide, particularly in Africa. Governments sometimes impose these measures citing security concerns, but they often stifle dissent, hinder voter education, and obscure electoral transparency. In Benin, the 2019 parliamentary elections exemplified this issue: social media platforms were blocked early in the day, followed by VPN restrictions and a full nationwide outage affecting nearly all connections.
Such actions not only isolate voters from real-time updates but also impede journalists, observers, and activists. According to reports from human rights groups, these shutdowns peaked in 2020 with 155 incidents across 29 countries, underscoring the urgency for preventive strategies. Benin’s history made the 2021 presidential vote on April 11 a critical test case for change.
Building a Coalition for Open Connectivity
Recognizing the pattern, the Internet Society’s Benin Chapter spearheaded a multifaceted campaign. They drafted an open letter urging the government to commit to keeping the internet accessible before, during, and after the elections. This document was shared widely with media outlets and amplified on social platforms, garnering support from partners like Access Now’s #KeepItOn coalition.
The coalition’s demands were clear and actionable:
- Public assurances from authorities on unrestricted internet access, including social media.
- Directives to telecom providers for reliable, high-quality service without interruptions.
- Transparency on any potential service issues, with swift resolutions.
Local influencers, journalists, and civic groups joined the effort, creating a unified front that pressured decision-makers. This grassroots mobilization highlighted the internet’s role as a cornerstone of modern democracy.
Deploying Advanced Monitoring Technologies
Beyond advocacy, technical preparedness was key. The Benin Chapter utilized sophisticated tools to track network performance in real time. One standout was the Internet Outage Detection and Analysis (IODA) system, which analyzes global BGP data to pinpoint disruptions across regions.
Other resources included:
| Tool | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| IODA | Outage Detection | Real-time BGP monitoring, historical data, customizable alerts |
| NetBlocks | Connectivity Metrics | Live traffic analysis, country-specific dashboards |
| Local Probes | Traffic Flow | Custom scripts for Benin ISPs, anomaly detection |
These instruments allowed the team to verify normal operations throughout the election period, providing empirical evidence of compliance and enabling rapid response if issues arose.
Outcomes and Lessons from Election Day
On April 11, 2021, Benin experienced no major internet interruptions—a stark contrast to 2019. Monitoring dashboards showed steady traffic levels, with social media usage peaking as expected without blocks. This success validated the advocacy approach and demonstrated the power of preemptive action.
Post-election analysis revealed sustained connectivity, reinforcing public trust. However, challenges persisted: minor throttling attempts were noted but quickly mitigated through public alerts. The event set a precedent, influencing similar efforts in neighboring Chad and beyond.
Global Patterns and Regional Impacts
Benin’s achievement must be viewed against broader trends. In Africa, shutdowns cost economies billions and erode democratic norms. The #KeepItOn initiative documented how these tactics suppress citizen journalism and inflate misinformation risks.
Yet positive examples like Benin’s inspire replication. By fostering partnerships between tech experts, NGOs, and governments, scalable models emerge for protecting digital spaces during high-stakes events.
Challenges Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
While 2021 was a win, vigilance remains essential. Future elections could face evolving threats like targeted throttling or AI-driven censorship. Strengthening local capacity—through training on monitoring tools and legal advocacy—is crucial.
International support plays a role too. Declarations like the U.S. Declaration for the Future of the Internet emphasize open access as a human right, pressuring nations to align policies accordingly.
Strategies for Future Electoral Safeguards
To build on this success, stakeholders recommend:
- Investing in community networks for resilient connectivity.
- Developing legal frameworks against shutdowns, modeled on global standards.
- Enhancing digital literacy to counter misinformation without blanket restrictions.
- Collaborating with ISPs for voluntary commitments to uptime.
These steps can transform elections from vulnerability points to showcases of inclusive governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused internet shutdowns in Benin’s past elections?
Prior to 2021, authorities blocked social media and imposed full outages, often justified by security needs, but widely criticized for curbing freedoms.
How did monitoring tools help in 2021?
Tools like IODA provided real-time data, confirming no disruptions and enabling quick public reporting if issues emerged.
Why is internet access vital during elections?
It enables voter information sharing, live reporting, and transparency, essential for credible democratic processes.
Can other countries replicate Benin’s success?
Yes, through coalitions, advocacy letters, and monitoring tech, as seen in #KeepItOn campaigns elsewhere.
What are the economic costs of shutdowns?
Global estimates run into billions annually, hitting businesses, education, and daily communications hardest.
References
- Benin’s citizens deprived of Internet on election day — Reporters Without Borders (RSF). 2021-04-29. https://rsf.org/en/benin-s-citizens-deprived-internet-election-day
- Internet is a tool for democracy, Benin and Chad must #KeepItOn — Access Now. 2021-04-11. https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/benin-chad-election-keepiton/
- Benin: Internet shutdown on election day is a blunt attack — Amnesty International. 2019-04-28. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/04/benin-internet-shutdown-on-election-day-is-a-blunt-attack-2/
- Declaration for the Future of the Internet — U.S. Department of State. 2022-04-28. https://www.state.gov/declaration-for-the-future-of-the-internet
- Benin sees internet blackout on election day — Global Voices. 2019-04-29. https://globalvoices.org/2019/04/29/benin-sees-internet-blackout-on-election-day/
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