3- Respect for political rights This principle is affirmed in the preamble of the Constitution of 11 December, 1990 and is guaranteed under the provisions of articles 5, 6, 25 and 44 of the latter. Act n°90-023 of 13 August, 1990 establishing the Charter of Political Parties authorises all citizens enjoying their civil and political rights to enlist in the political party of their choice. (article 6). By December, 2006, there were over a hundred political parties in Benin. Some provisions of Act n°2000-18 of 03 January 2001 on the general rules governing elections in the Republic of Benin have been amended by acts N°2002-22 of 28-08-2002 and 2003-02 of 27-01-2003 but the former recognises the right of all citizens without prejudice to conditions of age, nationality, and morality to be eligible for office and to vote. Twenty-six (26) candidates, including two (2) women contested the last presidential elections held in March 2006. 4- Protection of worker’s rights The 11 December 1990 Constitution recognises the right to work (article 30). It recognises and guarantees the right to go on strike, grant all workers the right to protect their interests either collectively, individually or through unions. Act n° 98-004 of 24th January 1998 on the Labour Code of the Republic of Benin and Act n° 86-013 of 26 February 1986 relative to the Public Service Act shall remain in force. The exercise of the right to go on strike is governed by act n°2001-09 of 21 June 2002. - 14 -