Benin’s Democrats party has officially launched its internal process to select candidates for the 2026 general elections, setting the stage for a tense political contest.
Former President Thomas Boni Yayi, who led the country from 2006 to 2016, on Wednesday installed ad hoc committees tasked with evaluating candidate applications for municipal, legislative, and presidential elections.
The move comes in opposition to the government-backed selection of the current Minister of Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni, as the presidential candidate.
Speaking to members of the newly formed committees, Mr. Boni Yayi stressed that the process followed the party’s internal regulations.
“These committees were set up in accordance with article 711 of the party’s rules, following a democratic process,” he said, underlining the importance of fairness and transparency.
Each committee, composed of 15 members and present across the country’s twelve departments, will review applications and propose candidates capable of garnering popular support.
“You have the duty, in serenity, with your eyes fixed on the higher interest of the nation, to propose to the attention of the president of the party internal candidates capable of obtaining popular support,” he added.
On the presidential election, Boni Yayi—constitutionally barred from running after two terms—urged the committees to exercise “heavy responsibility” in selecting the two strongest contenders for the leadership of Benin.
The initiative comes amid rising tension within the party, which has demanded the withdrawal of Mr. Wadagni from his ministerial position to ensure a fair competition. The committees include party officials, members of parliament, and representatives from the Economic and Social Council, all operating under the supervision of the party vice-president.
Mr. Boni Yayi concluded the installation ceremony by calling for “transparent, inclusive and peaceful” elections in 2026, officially declaring the committees operational as of September 24, 2025. The process signals a strategic mobilization by the Democrats to consolidate influence and challenge government-backed candidates ahead of next year’s pivotal vote.
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