Presidential election in Benin: blocked roads disrupt the deployment of electoral materials

Protesters in Benin, April 8, 2021. AFP - YANICK FOLLY

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2 min

The presidential election will be held tomorrow, Sunday April 11, in Benin.

Less than 24 hours before the ballot, the blocking of the tracks by the anti Talon demonstrators disrupting the delivery of electoral material to the polling stations in the north of the country.

Trucks were stranded.

However, the equipment must be in place quickly to welcome voters from 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.

It's a race against time that begins.

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With our correspondent in Cotonou,

Jean-Luc Aplogan

In recent days, the campaign has been marked by tension and violence, protest movements that have reportedly left two dead and injured in the center of the country, in Savè, but there is no official record.

President Patrice Talon is running for a second term.

He will face two opponents, but the big figures of the opposition could not present themselves.

Interrupted trip

Sixteen trucks, in total, transported electoral materials for the north of the country but during the night from Friday to Saturday, April 10, none had arrived at their destination.

However, they had taken the road, some from eastern Benin, others from the west.

The trip will very quickly be interrupted by violent demonstrations and barricades.

Hanging around, getting stuck in the lines of cars was risky.

The material transported is sensitive and it is used for a vote whose poster is disputed.

Suddenly, the sixteen trucks have turned around and, for safety, they are parked in a garrison, 200 km from Cotonou and 50 km from Savè.

Tree trunks

The roads are still blocked by tree trunks, tires, trucks and cobblestones.

Also, two options are on the table, namely to resume the road but on condition that the army quickly lifts all the barriers or else convey everything by plane.

Read also: Presidential election in Benin: the situation is getting a little more tense two days before the election

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  • Benign

  • Patrice Talon