00:00In Benin, Finance Minister Romald Wadagni is the clear favourite in Sunday's presidential election,
00:06backed by outgoing President Patrice Talon, who is stepping down after two terms.
00:12At 49, Wadagni has the support of the ruling parties and faces just one challenger,
00:18Paul Hukdpe, a former culture minister seen as a moderate figure.
00:23If elected, Wadagni is expected to continue Talon's economic policies
00:27which have helped drive strong growth and attract investors,
00:31while also pushing ahead with major infrastructure projects after a decade as finance minister.
00:37He has also signalled a shift on regional security aimed to restore dialogue with Niger
00:42as part of efforts to tackle growing jihadist threats in northern Benin.
00:48Talon's decade in power has boosted the country's economic profile and tourism appeal,
00:52but has also drawn criticism over restrictions on political opposition
00:57and freedom of expression.
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