With just over two weeks before Benin heads to the polls, the contest for the presidency is gaining momentum as candidates launch their campaigns.
Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, widely seen as the frontrunner, faces off against veteran opposition politician Paul Hounkpé. Speaking to supporters in Cotonou, Hounkpé emphasized that the race remains highly competitive. “It’s a serious match,” he said, adding that if voting were held today, his camp believes it could emerge victorious.
Calixte Kounouvo, a member of Hounkpé’s FCBE party, highlighted the opposition’s platform, promising solutions to hunger, social inclusion, and national challenges.
This year’s election marks Benin’s fifth democratic transfer of power since the introduction of multi-party politics in 1990. Meanwhile, the Democrats, another major opposition party, will not participate after failing to meet signature requirements. Some of its leaders have now expressed support for Wadagni.
Current President Patrice Talon, who has completed two terms, is constitutionally barred from running again. Wadagni, seen as Talon’s preferred successor, addressed a large crowd in Kandi, stressing plans for regional development and improved security, particularly in northern areas affected by jihadist violence from neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
The country also witnessed a brief coup attempt in December, quickly suppressed with the help of Nigerian and French forces, which did not prevent subsequent legislative and local elections. These elections saw Talon’s party consolidate power by removing opposition members from parliament.
Benin’s voters will cast their ballots for president on 12 April.
