Overview
- Romuald Wadagni, the finance minister and ruling bloc pick, faces Paul Hounkpe as the lone challenger in Sunday’s first-round vote that requires 50% to avoid a May 10 runoff.
- The main opposition party, the Democrats, is off the ballot after failing to secure required lawmaker endorsements, and pro-government parties hold all 109 seats after January’s legislative vote.
- Northern Benin has seen rising attacks by al-Qaida-linked fighters, including assaults that killed 54 soldiers last year and 15 last month along the Niger–Benin–Nigeria border.
- A Dec. 7 coup attempt by disgruntled soldiers was put down as Nigeria launched airstrikes and ECOWAS deployed elements of its standby force, with about 100 alleged plotters now jailed awaiting trial.
- Wadagni campaigns on steady growth and big public works credited with a 7% expansion last year, while critics and rights groups point to unequal gains, tighter protest rules, and pressure on the press.