Presidential election in Benin: Between boycott and participation in the vote, the Les Démocrates party has made its choice

Benin is preparing to hold its 8th presidential election on April 12th, since entering the era of democratic renewal in 1990. This election, which appears to be without much suspense, will pit the presidential majority duo (Romuald Wadagni - Mariam Chabi Talata) against the duo (Paul Hounkpè - Rock Hounwanou), claiming to be the opposition.

The Democrats party, whose candidates were rejected due to a lack of sufficient endorsements, declared at the end of its extraordinary National Council on April 4th that it will not boycott the election.

"The Democrats party notes that the political proposals of both duos now incorporate its demands."

"Meeting in extraordinary session this Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the national headquarters in Cotonou, the party ''The Democrats'', after a thorough analysis of the national political situation and faithful to the aspirations of its militants and the people of Benin, adopts the following resolution: The party The Democrats is excluded from the presidential election, but is following the ongoing electoral campaign with interest; the party The Democrats notes that the political offers of the two duos in the presidential election now incorporate its fundamental demands (which are) individual freedoms, social justice, democracy and the rule of law," reads the declaration sanctioning the extraordinary national council of the political party.

The party will remain vigilant in monitoring the implementation of its commitments.

In short, the Democrats recognize their demands in the various societal projects of the candidates. This constitutes for them a "source of satisfaction" and a "unanimous recognition of their party's position." All of this "validates their vision as the only one capable of leading to sustainable development in Benin."

However, the Democrats warn that they will remain "vigilant in monitoring the implementation of these commitments."

In conclusion, the political party reiterates that it "does not belong to any of the parties that chose the duos in the running for the presidential election of April 12, 2026".

In short, the Democrats are not endorsing any ticket, but they are not calling for a boycott either. Supporters, who therefore lack clear voting instructions from their party, can technically vote for the ticket of their choice.

Bernardin Patinvoh