Benin’s main opposition party, Les Démocrates, has been barred from contesting the 2026 presidential election, the country’s constitutional court has ruled. The move follows the electoral commission’s earlier rejection of the party’s candidacy over issues like insufficient sponsorship and unpaid registration fees. With the exclusion of Les Démocrates, the presidential race is set to proceed without one of its most prominent challengers, raising questions about the election’s competitiveness and fairness. Political observers warn that this decision could undermine Benin’s long-standing reputation as a democratic bastion in West Africa. As campaigns ramp up, attention now turns to whether remaining candidates will offer genuine alternatives and if the nation’s democratic credentials can endure this controversial exclusion.
Africa News
