Benin is gearing up to hold elections without key opposition parties on Sunday as the authorities push ahead with the vote despite the coronavirus threat and calls for a delay. The nation of 11 million has rolled back raft of restrictions aimed at halting spread of the virus.
COVID-19 has caused 339 confirmed infections and two deaths in the country. Voters will have to wear face masks and officials insist social distancing measures will be enforced at all polling stations.
Campaigning has been limited to posters and media appearances as candidates were forced to scrap rallies due to a ban on social gathering. But critics say the health risks are too high for a vote that opponents of President Patrice Talon insists should not be happening in the first place.
Opponents have called on voters to boycott the poll due to the political situation and the risk from coronavirus.
