As the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENA) publishes the provisional list of candidates for Benin’s 2026 presidential election, the country’s main opposition party, Les Démocrates, finds itself in turmoil.
Accusations of authoritarianism, contested endorsement forms, and internal letters from party deputies Michel Sodjinou and Éric Houndété have plunged the party into a political storm, raising questions about its ability to compete in next year’s vote.
The election race, aimed at selecting a successor to President Patrice Talon, officially began on Wednesday, October 15, when CENA announced five candidate duos.
Incumbent figures include Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni paired with outgoing Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata.
The opposition field features former minister Paul Hounkpè with journalist Rock Hounwanou, Les Démocrates’ Renaud Agbodjo and Jude Lodjou, and independent candidates Anatole Prince Ouinsavi and Elisabeth Agbossaga.
While the registration process proceeded without administrative issues, Les Démocrates have been rocked by an unprecedented internal governance crisis.
The selection of the Agbodjo-Lodjou ticket, perceived by some as imposed and opaque, has provoked strong dissent from the party’s grassroots.
Deputy Michel Sodjinou, coordinator for the 19th electoral district, voiced his frustration in a letter published on October 16.
He condemned “the drift of a leadership without sharing” and criticized the “excessive centralization of power” by a circle loyal to former President Boni Yayi.
He accused party leaders of replicating past mistakes, recalling the controversial nomination of Lionel Zinsou in 2016 under the FCBE.
Meanwhile, former party president Éric Houndété has publicly appealed for reconciliation.
In a heartfelt letter to Sodjinou, he acknowledged internal frustrations but urged unity for “the greater interest of the nation” and the survival of the party. “What unites us in Les Démocrates is beyond our friendship,” Houndété wrote.
“It is about the destiny of an entire people.”
Observers warn that if Les Démocrates fail to overcome these fractures, their ability to present a credible alternative to the ruling party could be severely compromised. With the 2026 elections only six months away, the opposition’s internal divisions highlight the challenges facing a party that once aimed to spearhead political change in Benin.
Faced with a disciplined government and a robust institutional apparatus, the future of Les Démocrates may depend on whether it can reconcile its leadership and grassroots ahead of a critical national vote.
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