Benin holds a presidential election on Sunday, with Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni widely expected to win after securing the endorsement of outgoing President Patrice Talon, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. Wadagni faces only one challenger, Paul Hounkpe, after the main opposition Democrats party failed to field a candidate, leaving voters a limited choice in a contest shaped by questions of economic continuity, rising jihadist violence in the north, and concerns over shrinking democratic space. The vote marks a significant moment for the small West African nation, which saw a failed coup attempt in December and has faced deadly attacks from Sahel-based armed groups near its northern borders.
Based on: Al Jazeera English