"Romuald Wadagni, the country's finance minister who emerged as the ruling coalition's candidate without any primaries, is overwhelmingly the favourite to win this weekend. According to the investigative newsletter Africa Confidential, the path to a Wadagni win was cleared with ruthless efficiency as other possible contenders were sidelined, placated or removed."
"Wadagni, who speaks English fluently after years as a technocrat in the US, is seen as the architect of Benin's recent fiscal stability in the Talon era. He has vowed to implement free schooling and more jobs, appealing promises in a country where young people account for more than half of the population."
"A peaceful democratic transition after the failed coup also presents Benin an opportunity to buck another regional trend: at least three of its neighbours are ruled by juntas. But Talon's critics say he is also a strongman in a similar mould and have accused him of crushing dissent despite noticeable development in the country."
Benin's upcoming presidential election is marked by Romuald Wadagni, the ruling coalition's candidate, who is favored to win. Patrice Talon, the current president, cannot run again due to term limits. A constitutional amendment allows the winner to serve two seven-year terms. Wadagni, seen as a key figure in Benin's fiscal stability, promises free schooling and job creation. The election follows a failed coup and presents an opportunity for a peaceful transition amid regional instability and rising jihadist threats.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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