BENIN: Ex-president criticises $450,000 election fee

A former president of Benin has strongly criticised a new law which requires anyone wanting to stand in presidential elections to pay the equivalent of around $450,000 (£340,000). Nicephore Soglo, who was president in the 1990s, described the recently-approved law as brutal and clumsy. He said President Patrice Talon’s government was excluding anyone who was […]

A former president of Benin has strongly criticised a new law which requires anyone wanting to stand in presidential elections to pay the equivalent of around $450,000 (£340,000).

Nicephore Soglo, who was president in the 1990s, described the recently-approved law as brutal and clumsy.

He said President Patrice Talon’s government was excluding anyone who was young, poor or disadvantaged.

Provided Benin’s constitutional court confirms the law, parties will need to pay a similar fee to take part in parliamentary elections.

The next elections are due in 2020.