Benin holds presidential election four months after failed coup

Benin Prepares for Presidential Election After Decade of Patrice Talon's Rule As the west African nation of Benin gears up for its presidential election on Sunday, the stage appears to be set for a predictable outcome. President Patrice Talon, a former businessman who has dominated Benin's politics for the past decade, is stepping down after serving two five-year terms. Despite the fact that the election comes just four months after a failed coup attempt, the incumbent's departure has not led to a surge in opposition or uncertainty. Instead, the finance minister, widely seen as the favourite to succeed Talon, is expected to win in a relatively uncontested election, raising questions about the country's democratic process and the prospects for genuine change.

As president Patrice Talon steps down after a decade, the west African country’s finance minister is favourite to winThis Sunday, just four months after a failed coup, Benin heads to the polls for a presidential election that feels more like a coronation than a contest.Patrice Talon, the businessman turned politician who has been president since 2016, is ineligible to run again after serving two five-year terms. Continue reading...