Benin Leader Seeks New Term Amid Fraud Scandal, Vote Delay
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Benin President Thomas Boni Yayi’s bid for a second term in office has been marred by the collapse of a 156 billion CFA franc ($327 million) Ponzi scheme and opposition threats to boycott the twice-delayed election on March 13.
Vote preparations have been undermined by concern that as many as 300,000 people have been unable to register. Boni Yayi faces 12 rivals in the election, which will go to a second round on March 20 if no candidate wins more than 50 percent. Nine opposition candidates yesterday called for another postponement.