Benin Votes in First Round of Presidential Elections Amid Calls for Calm

Elections are underway in Benin where President Patrice Talon is seeking re-election in what is described as a tense ballot, with critics accusing him of rigging the race in his favour by sidelining opposition leaders. The US, German, French and Dutch embassies as well as the EU delegation all called for calm and for the vote to go ahead in a free and transparent manner.

More than 4.9 million people are eligible to vote across 15,531 polling stations. Polls opened at 7.00 am (0600 GMT), and final results are not expected until Monday or Tuesday.

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