Ruptly
"Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE) declared strict control over the state budget and agriculture development as his major objectives at a campaign rally on Friday in Cotonou in the last bid to solidify his chances of victory ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Footage shows Hounkpe delivering his speech to hundreds of supporters, before walking through the crowd and waving. "We intend to resolve all the problems facing this country by restoring democracy and ensuring that the people of Benin regain their national unity," he stated. "May our democracy be underpinned by laws accepted and endorsed by the people." "All this will only be possible once, firstly, we have brought government spending and expenditure under control, and secondly, we have all the necessary measures in place to move towards high-quality, intensive and diverse agriculture," Hounkpe continued. "We must support our producers in becoming genuine agricultural enterprises." Meanwhile, Benin citizens stressed that a new country leader should be able to guarantee stable development and tackle the surging economic problems in the country, where poverty remains high. "We want to see change in the country. The country needs to look further ahead," transit agent Kokoye Ange Charlemagne said. "Whoever we choose, we want them to focus above all on tackling unemployment and hunger, because we want to have food in our bellies so we can work; that's what we want." "In the countryside, we have no access," motobike taxi rider Mokpodino Moise commented. "That's why, as our former president has already served for 10 years, we'll now elect a new president to see if change will come." The race is narrowed to two approved participants. 56-year-old Paul Hounkpe is running against Romuald Wadagni, the ruling camp candidate and current finance minister, in Sunday's presidential election. Outgoing President Patrice Talon is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. 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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