Cotonou, Benin — As the countdown to Benin’s presidential elections enters its final stretch, incumbent Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni and opposition candidate Paul Hounkpé have commenced their campaigns. Wadagni, favored to win, is up against Hounkpé, a seasoned politician who has emphasized the competitiveness of the race.
Hounkpé addressed supporters in Cotonou on Friday, asserting, “It’s a serious match, and I know that if nothing changes in the next two weeks, or if we had to vote today, we would be the winners.”His party member, Calixte Kounouvo, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for effective solutions to address hunger, inclusivity, and the nation’s challenges.
The upcoming April poll will be the fifth democratic leadership change in Benin since the advent of multi — party democracy in 1990. The Democrats, another key opposition party, were excluded from the polls after failing to gather enough signatures. Despite their initial refusal to support either candidate, several senior Democrats have now thrown their weight behind Wadagni.
Wadagni, chosen as Patrice Talon’s successor, rallied thousands of supporters in Kandi on Friday, focusing on regional development and security concerns. Northern Benin has been addressing jihadist violence spilling over from neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger for several years.
Additionally, a coup attempt by army mutineers on December 7 was swiftly quelled by the military, with support from Nigeria and France. Despite the coup attempt, legislative and local elections were held the following month, with Talon’s ruling bloc effectively eliminating the opposition from parliament. The election campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of regional instability and political intrigue.
Source: Africanews
