With just over two weeks remaining before Benin’s presidential election, the country’s two main contenders have officially launched their campaigns, setting the stage for a closely watched vote on April 12.
Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, widely seen as the frontrunner and the preferred successor to outgoing President Patrice Talon, kicked off his campaign with a large rally in the northern town of Kandi.
His main challenger, veteran opposition figure Paul Hounkpé, addressed supporters in Cotonou, striking a confident tone about his chances.
“This is a serious contest,” Hounkpé said, adding that if voting were held immediately, his camp would emerge victorious.
Members of his party, the FCBE, echoed that optimism. Party official Calixte Kounouvo said the campaign aimed to present solutions to economic hardship and improve inclusivity.
The election will mark Benin’s fifth democratic transfer of power since the country adopted a multi-party system in the early 1990s. President Talon, who has served two consecutive five-year terms, is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election.
The political landscape, however, remains uneven. The Democrats, a major opposition party, were excluded from the race after failing to secure the required number of endorsements. While the party initially declined to back any candidate, several senior members have since expressed support for Wadagni.
Security and regional stability are expected to feature prominently in the campaign. Northern Benin has faced increasing attacks linked to Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups operating across the borders of Burkina Faso and Niger.
The country also recently weathered a failed coup attempt on December 7, which was quickly suppressed with assistance from regional and international partners, including Nigeria and France.
Despite the attempted unrest, Benin proceeded with legislative and local elections the following month, consolidating Talon’s ruling bloc’s hold on parliament.
Voters are set to head to the polls on April 12.