Benin's Finance Minister, Romuald Wadagni, appears to be the clear favorite in the presidential election scheduled for Sunday, in a tense security context.
Aged 49 and a former Deloitte executive, Wadagni was one of the main architects of the economic policy of outgoing President Patrice Talon, who cannot run for another term due to the constitutional limitation.
His campaign highlights his economic achievements, including strong GDP growth and the tripling of the national budget over the past decade. The ruling party's candidate faces only one opponent, which strengthens his position as the favorite.
However, the election is taking place in a climate marked by jihadist attacks in the north of the country, as well as by criticism regarding the decline of the political opposition under the presidency of Talon.
Romuald Wadagni himself downplayed any break with his predecessor, describing his relationship with Patrice Talon as "almost filial." This political continuity could facilitate his rise to power, but it also raises questions about the country's democratic development.
The election comes a few months after an attempted coup, highlighting the security and political challenges that the future president will have to face.
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