Benin Republic Former President Thomas Boni Yayi has taken a major step to ensure unity within Benin’s main opposition party, Les Démocrates, ahead of the 2026 general elections, including the presidential race.
Following a key meeting on Wednesday, September 24, the party announced the creation of a 15-member national selection committee tasked with choosing candidates for legislative, local government, and presidential elections. Each of Benin’s 12 departments will be represented on the committee to guarantee inclusiveness and fairness.
Party members aspiring to run under Les Démocrates’ platform will be required to meet eligibility criteria, which will soon be made public through a formal call for applications. Submission of applications for the highly anticipated presidential ticket has been scheduled for October 10–14, 2025.
“President Will Not Choose Anyone Unilaterally”
Boni Yayi, who leads the party, reassured members that the selection process would be democratic and transparent. He reiterated his earlier pledge made in Parakou:
“The President will not choose anyone unilaterally.”
He urged committee members to act in the “supreme interest of the nation” and present candidates “capable of obtaining popular support.”
“You bear a heavy responsibility to propose the duo who will lead our country. You have the support and confidence of our people — you are their hope,” Yayi said.
Party Aims for Majority Control
The party’s leadership made it clear that internal division will not be allowed to derail its ambitions. Les Démocrates is determined to secure an overwhelming majority of mayors and councilors in the municipal elections as a strategic move before contesting legislative and presidential seats.
With the “lit torch” symbolizing its determination, the opposition party appears poised to challenge the ruling establishment and sweep the 2026 polls.
