Benin’s presidential election raises fears of one-party dominance

Benin heads into a pivotal presidential election this weekend, just months after a failed coup shook the nation. The vote is expected to solidify Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni's grip on power as the likely successor to outgoing President Patrice Talon, who has served since 2016. Wadagni, 49, represents the ruling coalition's uncontested choice after other contenders were sidelined or pushed out, raising concerns about democratic fairness in a country with shrinking political plurality. This e