Ruptly
"Beninese presidential candidate and Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni wrapped up a sweeping campaign tour across Cotonou on Friday, making a final push for support ahead of Sunday's election, as questions over 'French influence' cast a shadow over the final stretch of the race. Footage shows Wadagni and his team greeting crowds of supporters under tight security. Horns and vuvuzelas echo throughout the venue amid a sea of supportive banners. "Even if France has something to say about our election, it doesn't concern us - the militants. The young man who would like to take power is transparent," said rally-goer Cedric Edoh. "Once we fall into line and support him in his plans, we are contributing to the progress of our country. So I'd like to say to those who claim that France has done this or that: forget all that and really focus on the progress of our country," he added. Another participant, Samuel Gbedeyioue, remarked, "As long as we have democracy and as long as we have freedom, everyone is free to choose whoever they want, and on that basis we can say that the French have nothing to do with what we do here." The election will determine a successor to outgoing President Patrice Talon, who is stepping down after two consecutive terms since 2016, in line with constitutional limits. Although recent reforms extended the presidential term from five to seven years, Talon did not amend the term-limit clause, paving the way for his Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni to emerge as the leading candidate of the ruling camp. The Constitutional Court has narrowed the race to two approved tickets. The ruling camp is represented by Wadagni and Mariam Chabi Talata, while the opposition is led by Paul Hounkpe of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin. Several major opposition figures were excluded due to strict endorsement requirements, fuelling debate over political pluralism in the country. The election comes after an attempted coup in December 2025, with the campaign focusing on youth unemployment, healthcare reform, and national sovereignty, amid rising concerns over alleged French influence and questions about electoral integrity."
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