CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: THE APRM PROCESS AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BENIN __________________________________________________________________________ exercise. Since one of the objectives of the APRM is to foster better practices on the continent, the best practices of Benin are also mentioned and the boxes present aspects of governance specific to Benin that deserve to be highlighted. 44. Chapter Seven presents an analysis of crosscutting issues concerning two or more focus areas that require general action, while Chapter Eight is devoted to constraints and general prospects. 1.5 Commitment of the head of state to the APRM process 45. One of the basic conditions for ensuring the success of the APRM exercise in a given country is the high level of collaboration between the national authorities and the CRM. In this regard, the personal commitment of the head of state is a strong signal that the government, and therefore everyone, is a party to the exercise and expects results. In the case of Benin, the APRM mission is particularly pleased with the commitment, at a very high level, of Beninese authorities. In fact, the mission constantly enjoyed the personal support of His Excellency Dr Boni Yayi, president of the Republic of Benin, and his entire government. This exceptional involvement, at such a high level, augured well for the success of the assessment process in Benin. It should, therefore, be commended and highlighted as a best practice. Good practice 1.2: Personal involvement of the president of the republic The country assessment process in Benin was conducted under excellent working conditions. These were seen in the quality of the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise and in the quality of the material and logistical resources put at the disposal of the assessment mission in the field. The results achieved by the assessment mission were largely facilitated by the personal involvement of His Excellency Dr Boni Yayi, president of the Republic of Benin, and his entire government. Since he assumed office, President Boni Yayi has constantly shown keen interest and unflinching commitment to see the APRM process conducted in his country as quickly as possible. Hence, since the process started, the president of the republic has provided firm support, inspired by his passion for the improvement of governance in his country, to the APRM exercise. This constant support is evidenced, among other things, by:  the encouragement given to the eminent persons of the APRM to urge them to carry out the process in Benin as soon as possible;  the official launch of the review mission during a solemn, televised ceremony attended by the national institutions;  the five or more audiences which were granted to the head of the mission;  the audience granted, on 18 July 2007, to the delegation of the country assessment mission for the discussions that helped to give direction to the mission in order to ensure its success. During this meeting the president of the republic, while insisting on his personal commitment and that of the Beninese authorities to ensure the efficient conduct of the mission in the most transparent way, assured the head of the mission that Benin 42