Benin gears for presidential elections on Sunday amid worries over distribution of voters cards

The election campaign for the presidency in Benin is in full swing just days before the west African nation holds a crucial poll that was postponed to March 6 following delays in distribution of voters cards.

Representatives from the civil society however say a large number of the voters still do not have the voters cards and called on the electoral commission to ensure the poll was credible.

“We are disappointed that many people will be forced to vote with their old cards. That is an unusual situation,” said Julien Oussou, the national coordinator of the electoral platform of the Organization of the Civil Society.

The election had initially been scheduled for February 28 but was postponed by the country’s constitutional court after opposition candidates expressed concern on the production and distribution of the voters cards.

Almost 5 million people are eligible to vote in the poll that is considered open with several candidates jostling to succeed president Boni Yayi who is barred under Benin’s constitution from vying for a third term.