Les Démocrates

Les Démocrates are the main opposition party in Benin. They are currently newsworthy due to significant internal turmoil leading up to the upcoming presidential election in April 2026. Recent events include a wave of resignations, followed by an open succession crisis for the party leadership after Boni Yayi's resignation. Eric Houndété was removed from his interim presidency at a national council meeting. Adding to their woes, the party has decided not to field a candidate in the presidential election and will not support any other candidate. This decision highlights the party's weakened state and internal divisions, significantly impacting the political landscape as the ruling party's candidate, Romuald Wadagni, gains momentum. The absence of Les Démocrates from the presidential race diminishes the opposition's strength and potentially consolidates the ruling party's power.