Benin holds restricted election with only two candidates as democracy concerns mount

Benin held presidential elections on April 13, 2026, with only two candidates approved to run—the incumbent's choice and one other—amid strict opposition restrictions in the West African nation. President Patrice Talon's government cited security and governance reasons for limiting candidacies, but critics argue the curbs undermine democratic inclusivity. The election follows a December 2025 coup attempt that destabilized the country and raised international concerns about democratic backsliding in a region already facing security crises. The outcome will shape governance in a strategically important Gulf of Guinea nation and signals broader trends in African democratic erosion.