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Benin opposition party urges nationwide mobilization for presidential run-off

Xinhua, March 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

Benin's largest opposition coalition -- Union Makes the Nation party -- on Friday called for a nationwide mobilization to make the presidential run-off happen within two weeks.

The party appealed to all the people of the west African country to find back solidarity and build necessary trust that served as a compass for major changes and foundation of successful countries, the executive board of the political group said in a news release.

It said provisional results of the first round of the March 6 presidential polls confirmed the accuracy of its analyses and approach.

Incumbent Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou, candidate of the ruling party FCBE (Cowrie Forces for an Emerging Benin), took the lead with 28.44 percent of the votes, while businessman Patrice Talon came second with 24.80 percent of the votes cast for 33 candidates in competition.

Zinsou and Talon were preparing for a run-off election scheduled for March 21 as no candidate managed a majority in the first round.

Union Makes the Nation strongly encourages consultations and discussions among political parties, underlining that the onus is on the opposition to offer a new chance to Benin and give hope to the youth.

The expected run-off will provide Benin with a new president to succeed outgoing Yayi Boni whose mandate expires on April 6. Endi