With just 48 hours remaining until the official close of campaigning, the village of Lobogo in the Bopa commune is buzzing with activity. Here, Paul Hounkpè, candidate for the Forces Cauris for an Emerging Benin (FCBE), is putting his credibility on the line. Amidst fervent support and criticism from a segment of the opposition, the former mayor’s stronghold is central to the stakes of this April 12th election.
The atmosphere in Lobogo is thick with dust and political slogans. In this village, where Paul Hounkpè grew up and established himself politically, every alleyway seems to bear the colors of the “Cauris.” As Sunday’s election draws near, supporters of the moderate opposition candidate are ramping up local gatherings before the mandated silence takes effect at midnight on Friday.
“The Local Boy” Faces a Legitimacy Challenge
According to activists encountered on the ground, Paul Hounkpè is more than just a party leader; he is “the local boy.” As the former mayor of Bopa, he enjoys a solid base and a long-standing connection with the local population. “He understands our realities, he has managed our problems here in Lobogo,” asserts a young supporter, a green scarf wrapped around his neck.
However, this campaign is unlike any other. The FCBE is entering this election amid deep divisions within the opposition family. Deprived of the support of the Les Démocrates party, whose candidacy was rejected, Paul Hounkpè must convince voters that he represents a credible alternative to the ruling party candidate, Romuald Wadagni.
The Shadow of Abstention and the Weight of Absentees
In Lobogo, the debate over the status of the “moderate opposition” is on everyone’s lips. While FCBE activists are mobilizing, some residents are observing this election with reservations, given the absence of major figures from the radical opposition.
“We will vote because Paul is one of us, but our hearts are not fully in it because not all of Benin’s children are in the race,” confides a village elder under an iroko tree. The challenge for candidate Hounkpè is clear: to translate his local popularity into a vote against the current administration, while combating calls for a boycott or the indifference that hangs over a portion of the electorate.
A Closely Monitored End to the Campaign
Meanwhile, a few kilometers away, the campaign machine of Romuald Wadagni, the ruling party candidate, continues to traverse the country with impressive resources, highlighting the achievements of the past decade. Faced with this show of force, Paul Hounkpè is relying on grassroots efforts and direct contact.
In Lobogo, meetings continue late into the night. On Friday, at midnight, the loudspeakers will fall silent. For Paul Hounkpè, the test in Lobogo will be crucial: a strong showing in his stronghold is essential to compete with Romuald Wadagni and to prove that the FCBE remains the leading structured opposition force in the country, despite the challenges.
On Sunday, the polling stations will open at 7 a.m. Lobogo will be closely watched by observers, serving as a barometer for an opposition that is trying to survive at the ballot box.