This Friday, March 27, Benin officially enters its election campaign for the presidential election on April 12. After ten years at the helm, outgoing President Patrice Talon is preparing to hand over the reins. This year, the contest will be between only two pairs of candidates, compared to three in 2021, in a political landscape marked by surprise alliances and the notable absence of the main opposition force.

The forces at play: A clash of styles

Two candidates are vying to lead the country for the next seven years:

1. The continuity duo (Presidential Movement): Supported by the color blue and the slogan "Further, Together," it unites Romuald Wadagni , the outgoing president's designated successor, and the current vice-president, Mariam Talata . They benefit from the political machine of the only two parties represented in the Assembly: the Republican Bloc and the Progressive Union for Renewal.
2. The "moderate" opposition duo: Under the green banner, Paul Hounkpè (FCBE) and his running mate Judicael Hounwanou aim to "Rebuild Benin's pride together." Despite their overtures, they will have to manage without the official support of the radical opposition.

The earthquake within "The Democrats"

The major absentee from this election remains the Les Démocrates party. Disqualified by the electoral commission for lack of sufficient endorsements, they chose not to give any voting instructions.

However, the party is going through a major internal crisis. Eric Houndété , a leading figure and interim president since Boni Yayi's withdrawal, caused a stir this Thursday by announcing his support for the majority duo, Wadagni-Talata .

"It was time to join hands to build a peaceful Benin," said the man who was for a long time one of the most scathing critics of the Talon regime.

In response, the leadership of the Democrats immediately reacted with a statement announcing the suspension of Eric Houndété and about twenty dissident executives.

The stakes of the election

Characteristic	Details
Term of office	7 years
Campaign closing	April 10th at midnight
Date of the vote	April 12, 2026
Context	Transition after two terms of Patrice Talon

The candidates now have two weeks to convince a Beninese electorate, part of which feels orphaned from its traditional political representation.